LAist relies on reader support, not paywalls.
Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today.
Asked Not To Attend LA City Council Meetings, José Huizar Says He Will Limit Participation Going Forward
Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar leads a press conference about the Operation Healthy Streets initiative at the Volunteers of America building near Skid Row in this 2014 file photo. (Photo by Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC)
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez is asking Councilmember José Huizar not to attend any more meetings until there’s “legal clarity” regarding his involvement in the city’s “pay-to-play” bribery scheme.
Martinez’s office confirmed the move to us, but stopped short of calling it a suspension. It will mean Huizar is unable to vote on city matters.
Huizar responded in a statement saying he would continue district work but limit participation with the city council:
Statement from CD 14 City Councilmember Jose Huizar: he will continue his work in the district but -- at Council President Martinez's request -- he will "limit" his participation in council going forward @LAist @KPCC pic.twitter.com/udodqj5gnY
— Libby Denkmann (@libdenk) May 15, 2020
Back in Nov. 2018, FBI agents raided Huizar’s Boyle Heights home and council district offices. He has not been charged with any crimes.
Martinez's office calls the move an effort to preserve the council’s integrity.
That integrity is under federal investigation at the moment. The FBI has been looking into possible corruption at City Hall in a probe that includes multiple suspected "pay-to-play" schemes involving city officials, developers, investors, lobbyists and others.
So far, three people have pleaded guilty.
That includes George Chiang, a Granada Hills real estate developer who authorities say offered bribes to public officials — including an unnamed member of the City Council — to smooth the passage of real estate projects.
Court papers detail how the councilmember accepted bribes from a Chinese real estate business, for which Chiang consulted.
Chiang became a "close political ally" of a city councilmember on the powerful Planning and Land Use Management Committee, according to Department of Justice officials. Huizar had been a member of that committee before being stripped of his committee duties following the Nov. 2018 FBI raid.
This March, former Councilmember Mitch Englander surrendered to federal authorities and later pleaded not guilty to seven federal counts of obstruction of justice. He faces a maximum of 50 years in prison for allegedly trying to cover up an extravagant Las Vegas trip and accepting $15,000 in cash from an unnamed businessman.
Brianna Flores and Ryan Fonseca contributed to this story.
READ MORE ABOUT THE CITY HALL CORRUPTION PROBE:
- Timeline: Follow The FBI's Sweeping LA City Hall Corruption Investigation Through The Years
- 'Absolutely Stunning' Indictment Alleges Former LA Councilman Englander Took Cash Payouts In Casino Bathrooms
- The FBI Is Shaking Up LA City Hall. They May Be Looking For Chinese Money
- After FBI Raid, Richelle Huizar Won't Be Running For Her Husband's Council Seat After All
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.