With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Ex-LA City Councilmember José Huizar now due to surrender for prison in the fall
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
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Former L.A. City Councilmember José Huizar’s surrender date for his 13-year prison sentence has been postponed again.
Why now: Huizar, who represented council District 14, was originally supposed to be taken into custody in April, but that was continued to today. A new date was set for Oct. 7 after the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed to LAist that Huizar had requested another continuance.
Why it matters: Huizar 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.
Sponsored message
The backstory: Prosecutors said Huizar used his powerful position at City Hall to enrich himself and his associates, including admitting to accepting a $600,000 bribe from a real estate developer to settle a pending sexual harassment lawsuit against the former councilmember.
Go deeper: Read more about Huizar.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
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.
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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
