Los Angeles city councilman charged with 10 counts, including embezzlement and perjury

Los Angeles City Councilman Faces Multiple Charges, Including Embezzlement and Perjury

In a significant blow to the scandal-ridden governing board of the second-largest city in the United States, a Los Angeles city councilman has been charged with ten counts, including embezzlement and perjury. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday that Curren Price Jr. is facing charges of embezzlement of government funds, perjury, and conflict of interest.

The charges against Price stem from his alleged financial involvement in projects that he voted on as a council member. It is also alleged that he authorized the city to pay approximately $34,000 in medical benefits for his now-wife while he was still married to another woman. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón, stated that Price’s wife received payments exceeding $150,000 from developers between 2019 and 2021, before Price voted to approve the projects. Furthermore, Price is accused of failing to disclose this money on government disclosure forms.

District Attorney Gascón emphasized the serious nature of the charges, stating that such conduct undermines the integrity of the government and erodes public trust in elected officials. In response, Price called the charges “unwarranted” but acknowledged the need to address them through the judicial system. He expressed his intention to step down from committee assignments and leadership responsibilities in order to avoid becoming a distraction to the city’s affairs.

These charges add to a string of scandals that have rocked the Los Angeles City Council and government. Former Democratic City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was recently found guilty of seven felonies, including conspiracy, bribery, and fraud. Last year, a racism scandal led to the resignations of the City Council President and a prominent labor leader. Additionally, two former council members have pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges following an FBI investigation. Former Mayor Eric Garcetti also faced sexual harassment allegations against one of his former aides.

These successive scandals have tarnished the reputation of Los Angeles’ political landscape, leaving residents disillusioned and questioning the integrity of their government. This comes at a time when the city is grappling with pressing issues like homelessness, crime, and exorbitant housing costs. The cumulative effect of these scandals exacerbates the challenges faced by the city, making it even more difficult to address the pressing needs of its residents.

The criminal complaint against Price reveals that his wife’s consulting firm received payments from several companies before the councilman voted to approve funding for their projects. Requests for comment from these entities were unanswered at the time of reporting.

Curren Price Jr., who represents South Los Angeles and parts of downtown, was elected to the council in 2013 and currently serves as its president pro tempore. The charges against him come as a blow to a council member known for his attentiveness to diverse communities in his district. Mayor Karen Bass expressed her sadness upon learning of the charges, while Price’s attorney, David Willingham, declined to comment until he had reviewed the criminal complaint.

The Los Angeles Times initially reported on these charges, highlighting the gravity of the situation and its impact on the city’s political landscape.

Contributed by Chris Weber, writer for Big Big News.

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• Los Angeles Times
• Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
• City of Los Angeles – Official Website
• California State University, Los Angeles – Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs