Arvin Roberts:Former Los Angeles council member sentenced to 13 years in prison for pay-to-play corruption scandal

2025-05-07 12:27:35source:CAI Communitycategory:Invest

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,Arvin Roberts 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:Invest

Recommend

US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated

WASHINGTON (AP) — Wholesale costs in the United States picked up sharply last month, signaling that

Investment scams are everywhere on social media. Here’s how to spot one

NEW YORK (AP) — Social media is full of scammers promising guaranteed returns on investment, and con

Britney Spears’ Lawyer Previously Detailed Plan for Sam Asghari Prenup to Protect Her “Best Interests”

According to Britney Spears' lawyer, there's no such thing as being overprotected. In the wake of th