Disgraced former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar is set to be sentenced on Friday for leveraging his influential position to solicit over $1.5 million in cash and benefits from real estate developers. The charges include conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and tax evasion. Huizar’s illegal activities involved manipulating the city’s approval process for downtown real estate projects and engaging in tax fraud.

Background and Guilty Plea

José Huizar, 55, of Boyle Heights, represented Council District 14 from 2005 until his resignation in 2020. Described as an advocate for robust development, Huizar admitted guilt in leading the CD-14 Enterprise—a pay-to-play scheme favoring developers who provided bribes, campaign donations, and other illicit benefits.

Pay-to-Play Scheme Details

The CD-14 Enterprise, led by Huizar and assisted by others, facilitated favorable treatment for developers who financed cash bribes, campaign contributions, and other perks. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles revealed that Huizar’s scheme included cash bribes, gambling chips, luxury trips, political contributions, prostitutes, extravagant meals, services, concerts, and other gifts.

Extensive Corruption and Bribery

Huizar confessed to accepting a $600,000 bribe in the form of a “loan” from China-based billionaire real estate developer Wei Huang. This payment was intended to secretly settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against Huizar by a former staffer. Huang’s company, found guilty in 2022 of paying over $1 million in bribes, sought city approval to build a 77-story mixed-use skyscraper downtown.

Co-Conspirators and Cooperation

Members and associates of the CD-14 Enterprise, including lobbyists, consultants, and city officials, pleaded guilty and cooperated with the government’s investigation. Notable figures involved in the corruption scandal were Huizar’s former special assistant George Esparza, real estate development consultant George Chiang, political fundraiser Justin Jangwoo Kim, and lobbyist Morrie Goldman.

Obstruction of Justice

Federal prosecutors accused Huizar of covering his tracks by exploiting family members to launder illicit proceeds. Additionally, he allegedly obstructed justice by tampering with witnesses and lying to government prosecutors and agents.

Prosecution’s Sentencing Request

Federal prosecutors are pushing for a 13-year prison sentence and over $1 million in restitution to the city of Los Angeles. Huizar’s defense contends that nine years behind bars would be sufficient. The final decision lies with U.S. District Judge John Walter in Los Angeles federal court.

Future Legal Proceedings

Huizar’s co-defendant, former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan, is scheduled to face trial on February 27. Chan, charged with racketeering conspiracy, bribery, honest services fraud, and other counts, allegedly assisted Huizar in the bribery scheme. A mistrial was declared in Chan’s first trial due to his attorney’s illness.

Conclusion: Accountability in Public Office

As José Huizar awaits sentencing, the case underscores the importance of holding public officials accountable for corruption and abuse of power. The extensive pay-to-play scheme, involving multiple individuals within the CD-14 Enterprise, highlights the need for vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of government institutions.