This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Former Orange County congressional candidate Tan Nguyen sentenced to jail time
Listen
0:55
Former Orange County congressional candidate Tan Nguyen sentenced to jail time
Former Orange County congressional candidate Tan Nguyen sentenced to jail time
A former Orange County congressional candidate is headed to jail. A federal judge in Santa Ana sentenced Tan Nguyen today.
The Republican ran against Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez five years ago.
He got in trouble when his campaign sent a letter to Latino voters that told them it was illegal for immigrants to vote.
At first, Nguyen told investigators a campaign worker had sent it. But later, Nguyen backed off that statement and said his intention got lost in translation – that he’d meant to say illegal immigrants.
A jury convicted Nguyen of a single count of obstruction of justice for lying to investigators.
A federal judge has sentenced him to a year in jail and a day in prison. He’ll also spend six months in a residential re-entry program and then three years of supervised release.
Nguyen did not comment after the sentencing, except to say that it did not go well.
Sponsored message
He is scheduled to begin his serving sentence March 28.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
