Crypen Exchange|Former Los Angeles council member sentenced to 13 years in prison for pay-to-play corruption scandal

2025-05-03 11:05:34source:Diamond Ridge Financial Academycategory:My

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former Los Angeles City Council member was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison for a pay-to-play bribery scandal involving real estate development projects.

José Huizar,Crypen Exchange 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $443,905 in restitution to the city and $38,792 to the IRS.

Prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum that Huizar chose “to place his own lust for money and power above the rights and interests of the people he was elected to serve.”

Huizar pleaded guilty a year ago to racketeering conspiracy and tax evasion.

Other news George Carlin estate sues over fake comedy special purportedly generated by AIFormer Los Angeles Dodgers star Steve Garvey swings for long shot US Senate win in CaliforniaViolent crime in Los Angeles decreased in 2023. But officials worry the city is perceived as unsafe

Prosecutors said that from 2013 to 2017, Huizar masterminded a $1.5 million scheme tied to the approval of downtown high-rise developments while he chaired the city’s powerful Planning and Land Use Management Committee.

Huizar was accused of giving favorable treatment in exchange for cash, casino gambling chips, luxury stays in Las Vegas, expensive meals, prostitution services, flights, concert and sports tickets, political contributions and funds to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Multiple other individuals and companies were charged alongside Huizar or in related cases. Three have been sentenced, and five are awaiting sentencing. One has a pending retrial, and another is a fugitive.

Huizar must surrender to federal authorities by April 30.

His scheme was among a string of scandals that rocked the 15-member council in recent years.

More:My

Recommend

Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class

Now wouldn’t this be a treat: Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft back together...as members of the Pro

German police raid homes of 17 people accused of posting antisemitic hate speech on social media

BERLIN (AP) — German authorities on Tuesday raided the homes of 17 people in the state of Bavaria ac

Black Friday deals start early and seem endless. Are there actually any good deals?

If you're reading this, Black Friday deals are already in full swing. Yes, we know it's not Friday