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Criminal Justice

José Huizar surrenders for federal prison sentence

Jose Huizar, a brown-skinned man with black hair and glasses, is wearing a dark-colored suit and tie and a white shirt. He looks in the direction he is walking, to the left of the image and away from the camera
Former L.A. Councilman Jose Huizar walks toward the federal building where he will be sentenced Jan. 26, 2023, on charges of racketeering and tax evasion.
(
Frank Stoltze
)

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Topline:

Former L.A. City Councilmember José Huizar, 56, surrendered for his 13 year prison sentence on Monday.

Why now: Prosecutors said Huizar, who represented council district 14, cheated on his taxes and used his powerful position at City Hall to enrich himself and his associates.

Why it matters: He pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in January 2023.

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The backstory: He was originally supposed to surrender in April, but it was continued twice to August and then October.

What's next: Huizar has also been ordered to pay nearly $444,000 in restitution to the city of Los Angeles and more than $38,000 to the IRS.

Go deeper: Read more about Huizar.

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