In a significant legal development, former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for his involvement in corruption and tax evasion. The sentencing, which took place on Friday, marked the culmination of a case where Huizar exploited his influential position at City Hall for personal gain.

Power Abuse and Corruption in Downtown Real Estate Projects

Huizar, who represented Council District 14, encompassing downtown Los Angeles and its surroundings, was found guilty of using his office to extort over $1.5 million in cash and benefits from real estate developers. His actions were geared towards expediting the approval process for downtown real estate projects.

The plea agreement revealed that Huizar led the so-called CD-14 Enterprise, operating as a pay-to-play scheme. He, along with others, unlawfully provided favorable treatment to developers in exchange for cash bribes, campaign donations, and other illicit benefits.

Exploitation of Public Position

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles emphasized Huizar’s prolonged operation of the pay-to-play scheme, where he leveraged his public position for personal gain. The memo filed by the office detailed a range of illicit benefits, including cash bribes, luxury trips, political contributions, prostitutes, extravagant meals, services, concerts, and other gifts.

Bribery from China-Based Billionaire and Obstruction of Justice

Huizar also admitted to accepting a $600,000 bribe disguised as a “loan” from China-based billionaire real estate developer Wei Huang. This payment was used to secretly settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against Huizar by a former staffer. Huang’s company faced charges of paying more than $1 million in bribes to Huizar for obtaining approval for a 77-story skyscraper downtown.

The former councilman’s attempt to cover his tracks involved layers of concealment, including exploiting his elderly mother, brother, and wife to launder illicit proceeds. Furthermore, when confronted with the federal investigation, Huizar obstructed justice by tampering with witnesses and lying to government prosecutors and agents.

Co-Conspirators and Cooperation

Members and associates of the CD-14 Enterprise, including lobbyists, consultants, and city officials, sought personal enrichment through corrupt practices. Notable figures, such as George Esparza, George Chiang, Justin Jangwoo Kim, and Morrie Goldman, pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation.

Legal Proceedings and Prosecutors’ Sentencing Recommendations

Prosecutors, in light of Huizar’s guilty plea, sought a maximum of 13 years in prison. The former councilman agreed to forfeit $129,000 in cash found during a search of his home in 2018 and accepted a nine-year prison term. The defense argued that a nine-year sentence would send a clear message of accountability.

Former Deputy Mayor’s Involvement and Subsequent Trial

Former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan, charged with racketeering conspiracy, bribery, honest services fraud, and other counts for allegedly aiding Huizar, is set for trial on Feb. 27. The mistrial declared in his first trial underscores the complexity of the legal proceedings.

A Harsh Verdict for Corruption

In a resounding verdict, José Huizar’s sentencing to 13 years in federal prison underscores the severity of corruption charges and abuse of public office. The case sheds light on systemic issues within the city’s governance, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency to restore public trust in municipal institutions.