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 .
Orange County announces lawsuit against another nonprofit with connections to Supervisor Andrew Do
The empty chair of O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do at the supervisors' meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.
(
Nick Gerda
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Orange County has announced a lawsuit against another nonprofit, Hand to Hand Relief Organization (H2H), and its CEO to recover millions of taxpayer dollars that were directed by Supervisor Andrew Do.
Why it matters: The $3 million was meant to feed hungry seniors during the pandemic, but the organization is accused of using the money for “illusory loan payments” to its CEO, Thanh Huong Nguyen, according to Supervisor Katrina Foley’s office.
The details: The organization allegedly directed the money to Nguyen’s separate businesses, as well as private rental payments to Aloha Financial, and for “voluminous” cash withdrawals. More than $600,000 of H2H’s pandemic relief grants were also allegedly transferred to Viet America Society (VAS) as a subcontractor, according to Foley's office. VAS is the nonprofit at the center of a long-running LAist investigation.
Support for LAist comes from
Attempts to reach H2H Monday evening were unsuccessful.
The backstory: Both Aloha Financial and VAS are defendants in another O.C. lawsuit filed last week. Mark Rosen, the attorney representing VAS, called that lawsuit "a disgrace,” and told LAist in an interview that he believes it's more of a political statement meant to generate headlines.
Why now: “H2H and VAS schemed to pilfer public funds,” Foley said in a statement Monday. “With this additional litigation against H2H and VAS, I renew my call for criminal investigations by County, State, and Federal officials, and commit that the County of Orange continues to pursue all avenues available to recover these grossly misused taxpayer funds.”
LAist is working to obtain a copy of the lawsuit from the court and will have more on this developing story.
Read on... for more about LAist’s investigation.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
Best of LAist