Former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu is expected to plead guilty Friday to federal charges of obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and lying to federal investigators. These charges are related to his actions during a city effort to sell Angel Stadium. This case has gained significant attention due to the impact Sidhu’s actions had on the city and its residents. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally made a statement expressing the importance of public officials maintaining their integrity and the dedication of the office to investigate and hold accountable those who compromise it.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege that during the negotiations to sell the stadium in 2020, Sidhu shared confidential information belonging to the city with an Angels consultant and then-Anaheim Chamber of Commerce co-president Todd Ament. Prosecutors also claim that Sidhu expected a $1 million campaign contribution from the Angels in exchange for the information he provided. Furthermore, Sidhu knowingly destroyed multiple email messages and documents related to his conduct, attempting to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into public corruption surrounding the stadium sale.
One of the allegedly destroyed emails detailed plans for “mock City Council meetings” organized to assist council members and Angels officials in preparing for the actual meeting discussing the stadium sale. The plea agreement includes an apparent agenda for one of these mock meetings, where participants would run through a simulated council session to identify pitfalls and areas of vulnerability. The session would involve Angels officials to help develop effective responses and improve performance.
In the court papers, Sidhu also admitted lying to FBI investigators about the sale negotiations, falsely claiming that he did not expect any campaign contributions from the Angels. Additionally, he confessed to lying to the Federal Aviation Administration about his purchase and registration of a helicopter, evading payment of nearly $16,000 in California sales taxes. These actions constitute tax fraud.
If convicted, Sidhu could face up to 10 years in prison for obstruction of justice, 20 years for wire fraud, and five years each for the two false statements charges. His attorney, Paul Meyer, issued a statement acknowledging the thorough and fair investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office and expressing Sidhu’s appreciation for the resolution of the matter.
Sidhu chose to resign in May 2022, stating that he did not want to continue being a distraction to the city during the ongoing federal investigation. Todd Ament, who pleaded guilty last year to similar federal charges, cooperated with authorities in their investigation of Sidhu and has not yet been sentenced.
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