Disgraced former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison on Friday for exploiting his influential position to extort over $1.5 million from real estate developers. The charges included using his authority to expedite downtown real estate projects through the city’s approval process and engaging in tax evasion.

Abuse of Power and Corruption

U.S. District Judge John Walter, presiding over the case, condemned Huizar for turning his public office into a lucrative enterprise at the expense of the citizens of Los Angeles. The disgraced councilman was accused of running a pay-to-play scheme known as the CD-14 Enterprise, where he illicitly favored developers in exchange for cash bribes, campaign donations, and other benefits.

Legal Consequences and Restitution

Huizar, 55, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and tax evasion. Along with the 13-year prison sentence, Judge Walter ordered Huizar to pay $443,905 in restitution to the city of Los Angeles and the Internal Revenue Service. This sum was deemed necessary to compensate for the damages caused by Huizar’s corrupt practices.

Apology and Reflection

During the two-hour sentencing hearing, Huizar remained stoic, apologizing briefly to his family and constituents. He expressed hope that his situation would serve as a cautionary tale for others in public office. However, the judge, referring to Huizar as “one of the most corrupt officials of the last several years,” emphasized the gravity of the crimes committed.

Scheme Details and Developer’s Involvement

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, Huizar operated his pay-to-play scheme for years, using his political influence to accumulate over $1.5 million in bribes, including cash, gambling chips, luxury trips, and other gifts. The scheme tainted downtown development, causing delays and financial peril for those who refused to comply with Huizar’s demands.

One notable instance involved a $600,000 bribe disguised as a “loan” from China-based billionaire real estate developer Wei Huang. The payment aimed to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against Huizar by a former staffer. Huang’s company was found guilty of paying over $1 million in bribes to Huizar for city approval of a 77-story skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles.

Impact on Downtown Development

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Jenkins highlighted the lasting impact of Huizar’s corruption, stating that the downtown area’s development is now tainted. The ripple effect of the scheme has cast a shadow over the legitimacy of various projects, affecting the region’s growth and economic prospects.

Huizar’s Background and Sentencing Arguments

Huizar’s defense argued for a nine-year sentence, emphasizing his impoverished upbringing in rural Mexico and his subsequent achievements, including earning a law degree from UCLA and serving on the Los Angeles Unified School District board. However, Judge Walter, in deeming Huizar one of the most corrupt officials, emphasized the significant consequences of his actions.

Co-Defendants and Cooperation

Several individuals implicated in the corruption probe, including George Esparza, George Chiang, Justin Jangwoo Kim, and Morrie Goldman, pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation. Their cooperation sheds light on the extent of corruption within the city’s political landscape.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The legal saga continues with former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan, charged with racketeering conspiracy, bribery, honest services fraud, and other counts related to his alleged involvement in Huizar’s bribery scheme. Chan’s trial is scheduled for February 27 after a mistrial was declared in his first trial due to his attorney’s illness.

Aftermath: A Legacy of Corruption

The sentencing of José Huizar marks a significant chapter in Los Angeles’ political history. The repercussions of his corrupt practices continue to reverberate, impacting downtown development and eroding public trust. The city now grapples with the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and fostering a more transparent and ethical political landscape.