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Alleged co-conspirator in Andrew Do taxpayer fraud scheme pleads not guilty
The Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse in Santa Ana, where Thanh Huong Nguyen pleaded not guilty Monday.
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Trevor Stamp
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LAist
)
Topline:
Hours after former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison on Monday, an alleged co-conspirator pleaded not guilty to related charges in federal court in Santa Ana.
The charges: Thanh Huong Nguyen, 61, of Santa Ana was arraigned on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of concealment of money laundering. She was allowed to leave court on a $10,000 bond. Nguyen — who led the nonprofit Hand to Hand Relief Organization that Do routed $3 million in taxpayer funds to — could face decades in prison if convicted on all counts, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Nguyen and her attorneys declined to comment at the federal courthouse in Santa Ana.
The background: Prosecutors allege that Nguyen and Peter Pham — a founder of the Viet America Society nonprofit at the center of a bribery scheme involving millions of taxpayer dollars — "unlawfully acquired approximately $12 million in county funds through this conspiracy." The federal prosecutors’ office says Pham left the U.S. on a one-way ticket to Taiwan in December. Pham was indicted, along with Nguyen, last week.
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What’s next? A jury trial is set for Aug. 5 but could be postponed.
How this story was uncovered: An LAist investigation exposed millions in unaccounted-for coronavirus relief funds Do quietly routed to Viet America Society, which was connected to Do's youngest daughter. Do did not publicly disclose his family relationship at the time the money was issued. Federal law enforcement launched a probe after LAist's reporting uncovered the problems.
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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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