Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian is set to present a motion on Wednesday to suspend Councilman Curren Price. Price is facing charges of theft by embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. These charges stem from allegations that he voted on projects involving developers connected to his wife’s consulting firm without disclosing the connections.
Krekorian and other council members have organized a news conference at City Hall to outline their next steps in response to the motion. Councilman Bob Blumenfield has already expressed his support for the motion, stating that the continuous string of charges against city officials is disheartening. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust and integrity in local government.
In a tweet, Krekorian also indicated that the council would engage with Price’s district residents to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by a potential vacancy in the Council seat. They aim to guarantee that the community continues to receive necessary services from their council office.
Price, acknowledging the legal proceedings against him, has submitted a letter to Krekorian announcing his decision to step down as council president pro tem and surrender all of his committee assignments. He wants to avoid being a distraction to the people’s business during the judicial process.
An arraignment date is yet to be determined for Price. The criminal complaint filed on Tuesday alleges that Price embezzled approximately $33,800 by having the city cover medical premiums for Del Richardson, whom he claimed to be married to but was still legally married to Lynn Suzette Price at the time.
Price has been serving as representative of the Ninth District, which encompasses South Los Angeles and Exposition Park, since 2013. He has prior experience in the state Assembly and state Senate.
The charges against Price include five counts of grand theft by embezzlement, three counts of perjury, and two counts of conflict of interest. Price’s spokesperson emphasizes that they have not yet seen the charges and find it unusual for such charges to be filed without prior notice or discussion involving a sitting City Council member. She asserts that Price has dedicated his life to serving Los Angeles and looks forward to addressing the charges and defending himself.
Mayor Karen Bass’s spokesperson states that the mayor is saddened by the news but has yet to review the charges. According to the complaint, Price’s wife’s consulting firm, Del Richardson & Associates, received payments exceeding $150,000 from two developers between 2019 and 2021. Price subsequently voted on matters relating to these companies while allegedly failing to disclose the connections or the money received by his wife’s firm on city disclosure forms.
District Attorney George Gascón describes the charges against Price as a result of an extensive investigation into allegations of public corruption. Gascón emphasizes that this alleged conduct undermines government integrity and erodes public trust. He pledges to continue fighting corruption at all levels and holding accountable those who betray the public’s trust.
Price joins a list of Los Angeles city officials who have faced legal or political turmoil. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges, while Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted of federal charges earlier this year. Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned amidst controversy surrounding racially charged conversations and the council’s redistricting process.
The council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
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