In a scandal that has rocked Orange County, federal agents raided multiple properties linked to the daughter of Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, sparking allegations of misappropriation of taxpayer funds. The raids have brought to light a complex web of financial dealings involving Rhiannon Do, an executive at the Viet America Society (VAS), and accusations that public funds were used for personal gain. This article delves into the details of the investigation, the key players involved, and the broader implications for public trust.
Rhiannon Do, at the heart of this controversy, purchased a $1.035 million home in Tustin, California, raising eyebrows due to the source of the funds. As an executive at VAS, she allegedly used public money, meant for community support, to buy this home and other properties. The county’s lawsuit points to a pattern of misuse of funds, with Do and VAS spending extravagantly while the public footed the bill.
The Viet America Society (VAS), a nonprofit organization, has come under intense scrutiny for its financial practices. Investigations revealed that over $13 million in public money had been approved for VAS, raising questions about how these funds were utilized. The county alleges that VAS diverted COVID relief funds, intended for community relief efforts, to purchase multiple properties, including the Tustin home owned by Rhiannon Do.
Federal agents, including those from the FBI, IRS, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, conducted raids on several properties, including Andrew Do’s office in Huntington Beach and a restaurant linked to VAS. These coordinated raids were part of a broader investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $10.4 million in COVID relief funds. Witnesses reported seeing agents remove boxes of evidence, signaling a serious and comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.
Although Andrew Do is not personally named in the county’s lawsuit, the fact that his daughter is central to the investigation raises significant concerns. Do, a prominent figure in Orange County politics, now faces questions about his awareness and possible involvement in the misuse of funds. The raids on his office and the investigation into his daughter’s financial activities have cast a shadow over his career, prompting calls for his resignation if the allegations are proven true.
One of the most puzzling aspects of the investigation is how Rhiannon Do, who reported earning $18,000 in 2022, was able to secure a $621,000 loan for the Tustin home. The down payment alone would have been $414,000, leading investigators to question the legitimacy of the transaction and the sources of the funds. This financial discrepancy is a key focus of the ongoing investigation, as authorities seek to trace the flow of money.
The investigation also extends to other individuals and entities associated with VAS, including Peter Pham, the president of the organization. Pham is accused of using public funds to purchase a home in Garden Grove, although he denies these allegations. Additionally, the Perfume River restaurant, a contractor for VAS, was raided, with investigators seeking evidence of financial misconduct. These raids suggest that the misuse of funds may be more widespread than initially thought.
In response to the unfolding scandal, Orange County officials have expressed strong support for the investigation. Supervisor Katrina Foley and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento have both called for a thorough criminal investigation into VAS and its affiliated charities. Foley emphasized the need to recover public tax dollars and hold those responsible for fraud accountable. The county’s firm stance highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of maintaining public trust.
The allegations against VAS and the involvement of a public official’s family have significantly impacted public trust in local government. The idea that taxpayer money, especially funds allocated for COVID relief, may have been misused for personal gain is deeply troubling to the community. This scandal underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government and nonprofit organizations, particularly in times of crisis.
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on uncovering the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct and holding those responsible accountable. The involvement of federal agencies indicates that the inquiry is being taken very seriously, and the legal repercussions could be significant. For Andrew Do and those associated with VAS, the coming months are critical as they navigate the legal and political fallout from these serious allegations. The outcome of this investigation could have lasting implications for Orange County and its leadership.
