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Feds seize $1M OC home at center of corruption scandal
A person who appears to be Rhiannon Do stands in front of the home in unincorporated Tustin on the day federal officials searched the property. At right, a wider view of the house.
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Courtesy photo / Brian Feinzimer for LAist
)
The U.S. government has seized a home in unincorporated Tustin at the center of the corruption scheme involving former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. The home was purchased by Do’s daughter Rhiannon Do for a little more than $1 million in 2023.
The downpayment came from taxpayer money awarded to a nonprofit led by Rhiannon Do. That money was supposed to be used to feed needy seniors.
The backstory: Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in prison last month for accepting bribes disguised as payments to his two adult daughters, including the $385,000 downpayment for Rhiannon Do’s home in unincorporated Tustin.
The forfeited assets: As part of Do’s sentencing, Judge James V. Selna found that he had an interest in the Tustin home, another property, and $2.4 million in bank accounts. Selna ordered the immediate transfer of the assets to the federal government.
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No trespassing sign is now in window of home formerly owned by Rhiannon Do, the younger daughter of disgraced former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do.
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Jill Replogle
/
LAist
)
What happens now? Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, said the Tustin home would be “sold just like any other property,” and the money will be returned to Orange County.
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First Amendment lawyer says LAPD denial goes against principles of public records law. -
The project, involving $53 million in construction costs, includes controversial plans to install sidewalks, streetlights and bike lanes. -
Caltrans said its project will rehabilitate the roadway, minimize the need for future maintenance and add a series of road features that will make cyclists and pedestrians safer and more mobile.
What about Rhiannon Do? Rhiannon Do, now 24, did not face charges under the plea deal her father reached with federal prosecutors. She was placed on three years’ probation through a pretrial diversion program.
What’s next for Rhiannon Do? Rhiannon Do, who was a full-time law student at the time she bought the home, graduated in May from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. To become a practicing attorney in the state, she must pass the bar exam and also submit what’s known as a moral character application, which has to be approved by the State Bar.
A spokesperson for the State Bar of California said they could not confirm or provide any details about whether she has submitted that form. The spokesperson said an applicant’s moral character application is considered on the individual merits.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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