Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan was convicted of racketeering, bribery, fraud, and giving false statements to investigators in a corruption scandal at City Hall. The guilty verdict was reached by a federal jury shortly after closing arguments concluded. Chan’s sentencing is scheduled for June 10, and his attorney has stated that they will appeal the decision. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that the public will not tolerate corruption, sending a strong message against pay-to-play politics. This was Chan’s second trial in a bribery case involving downtown Los Angeles real estate development projects, with the first trial ending in a mistrial due to his lawyer’s health issues.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian R. Faerstein presented Chan and former City Councilmember Jose Huizar as individuals who took advantage of the downtown real estate boom to enrich themselves and their allies. Chan, described as a crucial intermediary between Chinese developers and Huizar, allegedly received bribes for himself and other public officials. This trial marks the final case in the City Hall corruption investigation, with Huizar previously pleading guilty to racketeering and tax evasion charges. Huizar was sentenced to 13 years in prison, and several others have also been convicted or pleaded guilty to federal charges, including his brother, Salvador Huizar.
Chan’s defense attorney emphasized that the focus of the case is on Huizar, acknowledging his corrupt actions. While Huizar accepted gifts such as flights to Las Vegas and lavish hotel stays, Chan did not receive such benefits. The defense argued that Chan’s motivations were centered around making Los Angeles more business-friendly rather than personal gain. Chan had a successful career in city government, serving as the top executive at the Department of Building and Safety before becoming the deputy mayor in charge of economic development. He later transitioned to a private-sector consultant role, representing real estate developers. Prosecutors have accused Chan of secretly establishing a consulting firm while in city employment and receiving payments from a developer after leaving his city position.
The corruption scandal at City Hall has led to multiple convictions and guilty pleas from individuals involved in illicit activities. Despite Mayor Eric Garcetti not being implicated in the scandal, the case has shed light on the ethical standards within the local government. The guilty verdict against Chan sends a strong message against misconduct and corruption in public service. With sentencing approaching, the legal proceedings will determine the consequences that Chan will face for his role in the corruption scheme. The impact of the scandal has prompted discussions on transparency and accountability in local politics, emphasizing the importance of upholding integrity and ethics in government operations to protect the public interest.
