Another Los Angeles council member charged for corruption? Shocker.
In an entirely unsurprising development, Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price has been charged with a litany of crimes after an investigation by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.
More Context
What charges have been brought against Curren Price Jr.?
Specifically, Price has been charged with five counts of embezzlement of government funds, three counts of perjury and two counts of conflict of interest.
More Context
What are the details of the conflict of interest accusation?
"Today's charges against Councilman Curren Price are the result of a thorough investigation into allegations of public corruption. This alleged conduct undermines the integrity of our government and erodes the public's trust in our elected officials," said District Attorney George Gascon in a statement.
Related Articles Opinion | How can Gavin Newsom reform California prisons but still allow solitary confinement?
How can Gavin Newsom reform California prisons but still allow solitary confinement? Opinion | Autonomy and road safety: California must choose the road to travel
Autonomy and road safety: California must choose the road to travel Opinion | Legislators will pass sham budget to protect their paychecks
Legislators will pass sham budget to protect their paychecks Opinion | Gov. Newsom's call for national gun control another political stunt
Gov. Newsom's call for national gun control another political stunt Opinion | Sheriff Shannon Dicus: What we're doing on homelessness in San Bernardino County According to the District Attorney's office, Price's wife is alleged to have received over $150,000 in payments from developers before he voted to approve their projects and then failed to disclose such payments.
Price, of course, deserves his day in court and maybe he's not guilty, unlike his former corrupt colleagues Mitch Englander, Jose Huizar and Mark Ridley-Thomas. Maybe.
More Context
Are there any other city council members being investigated for similar offenses?
As a total aside, this announcement couldn't come at a worse time for longtime Curren Price staffer Marisa Alcaraz, who is currently running for city council in the San Fernando Valley. The election is two weeks away and she's already been hammered in mailers for her ties to City Hall corruption by way of working for Price. That her boss is now officially being charged for corruption, not just being investigated for it, will only strengthen the case for her challenger, Imelda Padilla.