Since summer is a fading memory, it is time to update the corruption cases we have previously discussed.
Starting in the southern part of the state, former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar’s trial on federal corruption charges is not scheduled to begin until February 2023, but new information has been revealed in one of the trials related to the wide-ranging corruption. Huizar’s brother, Salvador Huizar, testified that he helped his brother launder bribe money by accepting cash from his brother in exchange for writing checks that Huizar could deposit in a bank. Salvador Huizar awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.
Jose Huizar’s estranged wife, Richelle Rios, testified that her husband hid large amounts of cash in their home. She also testified that Huizar gave her cash to deposit in her bank account. Calpeek needs to work on a chart to explain who all the players are.
Suspended Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas’ corruption trial is scheduled to begin in a few days: Tuesday, November 15. Some of those standing around the water cooler speculate that the trial will be postponed. Updates in next week’s Calpeek.
Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza was in court yesterday dealing with an accusation of attempted extortion related to comments he made allegedly threatening the former City Attorney’s employment. The Fresno Bee has details here. Calpeek has previously discussed the goings on in Fresno and is still working on a chart of the players involved.
The City of Sacramento ended its investigation into Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency by declaring that he lived in the district in which he was elected. As Calpeek has discussed, proving residency in the City of Sacramento is a very low bar. The other investigations into Loloee continue.