Former City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was found guilty of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy charges, is facing a recommended six-year prison sentence from federal prosecutors. Ridley-Thomas was convicted of steering county contracts toward the USC School of Social Work in exchange for a $100,000 contribution to his son’s organization. In court papers filed Monday, prosecutors described the actions as a “shakedown” and emphasized the devastating impact on the integrity of the democratic system.
Sentencing for the 68-year-old Ridley-Thomas is scheduled for August 21 in downtown Los Angeles. Prosecutors are requesting a prison sentence of six years, three years of supervised release, and a $30,000 fine. Ridley-Thomas’ defense has yet to submit its recommendation. Marilyn Flynn, Ridley-Thomas’ co-defendant and former dean of the USC School of Social Work, was previously sentenced to three years probation, including 18 months of home confinement, and ordered to pay a $150,000 fine.
The prosecution’s memo highlights how Ridley-Thomas pressured Flynn for assistance in securing Los Angeles County business. Flynn, aware of the potential benefits, worked tirelessly to please Ridley-Thomas, ensuring lucrative contracts and perks were delivered. Ridley-Thomas’ representatives did not provide immediate comment.
Ridley-Thomas maintains his innocence, with his attorneys arguing that his actions did not constitute a crime. However, federal prosecutors built their case around a substantial collection of emails and letters, showing how Ridley-Thomas monetized his elected office and demanded benefits for his son. Testimony revealed that Ridley-Thomas made county business contingent on various privileges for his son, including admission and scholarships to USC, a paid professorship, and the secret funneling of campaign funds to a nonprofit his son was involved in.
The memo states that witness testimony, along with emails and Flynn’s admissions in her plea agreement, clearly demonstrate Ridley-Thomas’ orchestration of the corrupt scheme. Ridley-Thomas previously served on the Los Angeles City Council and the state Assembly and state Senate before being elected to the county Board of Supervisors. He was suspended from the City Council following the federal indictment in October 2021 and was replaced by Heather Hutt.
In the recent Los Angeles federal court trial, jurors acquitted Ridley-Thomas of twelve fraud counts. His attorneys are currently appealing the conviction.
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