Scandal rocks luxurious California town where local politician and his daughter are accused of using $13million in public money to fund their glamorous lifestyle
Federal agents raided multiple properties connected to the daughter of an Orange County supervisor, who is accused of using taxpayer money to purchase a home.
Rhiannon Do, an executive at Viet America Society (VAS) and the daughter of Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, purchased a $1.035 million home in Tustin, California, last year.
The county's lawsuit alleges that Do and VAS used public funds to buy this home and others, as well as to fund extravagant expenses. LAist's investigation, which began in November 2023, uncovered over $13 million in public money approved for the nonprofit.
Federal agents also searched the Perfume River restaurant in Westminster, a contractor for VAS. The FBI, IRS, and Orange County District Attorney's Office are conducting the investigation, following a civil lawsuit filed by the county against VAS for misappropriating $10.4 million in COVID relief funds, reports the Orange County Register.
Investigators were seen removing boxes from the property, which Do shares with his wife, a Superior Court judge. Do is not personally named in the county's lawsuit against VAS.
Federal agents raided multiple properties connected to the daughter of an Orange County supervisor, who is accused of using taxpayer money to purchase a home.
Federal agents also raided Andrew Do's office in Huntington Beach. A tenant in the same business plaza reported seeing six agents arrive in unmarked vehicles before 11:30 AM Thursday and immediately enter the office. They said the office is rarely occupied.
The county alleges that VAS used COVID relief funds to purchase six properties between 2021 and 2024. One of these properties, a $1 million home in Tustin, was purchased by Rhiannon.
Do, who earned $18,000 in 2022, obtained a $621,000 loan to purchase the home. The down payment for the home would have been $414,000.
Rhiannon was present at her home during the raid but declined to be interviewed. Federal agents seized electronic devices, including a thumb drive, hard drives, laptops, and an iPad.
The investigation also targeted a home in Garden Grove allegedly purchased by Peter Pham, the president of VAS. Pham denies using public funds to buy the home.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and Orange County District Attorney's Office confirmed the raids but declined to comment on the nature of the investigation due to a court sealing order.
The IRS confirmed that federal agents searched Andrew Do's home. Peter Pham said he believes the county has turned its back on him despite his years of service providing free meals and mental health programs.
Supervisor Katrina Foley joined Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento in calling for a criminal investigation into VAS and its affiliated charity, Hand to Hand Relief Organization.
Federal agents raided multiple properties connected to Rhiannon Do
As investigators conducted searches on Thursday, Foley expressed her full support for 'law enforcement's efforts to recover public tax dollars from the blatant fraud and abuse perpetrated by those running VAS.'
She emphasized that the concerns raised by county staff were entirely justified and reiterated her commitment to ensuring justice for taxpayers.
Sarmiento echoed Foley's sentiments, applauding the investigation. He stated that he has been advocating for investigations into this matter for nearly a year and finds it incredibly encouraging to see investigative agencies finally taking action to uncover the truth.
Sarmiento once again called upon Do to consider resigning if the allegations in the lawsuits are proven to be true.
