Corruption Conviction Lands Seasoned Los Angeles Politician 3 ½ Year Jail Term

Mark Ridley-Thomas, a veteran Los Angeles politician, has been sentenced to 3½ years in prison due to his involvement in a scheme that included seeking benefits for his son in exchange for supporting lucrative government contracts with the University of Southern California School of Social Work. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court, where Ridley-Thomas, who was most recently a city councilmember, faced seven felony convictions including conspiracy, bribery, and fraud. Along with the prison term, Judge Dale S. Fischer also imposed a $30,000 fine.

A jury determined in March that Ridley-Thomas collaborated with Marilyn Louise Flynn, the former dean of USC’s School of Social Work, in 2017 and 2018 to route $100,000 from a Ridley-Thomas campaign fund through the university to a nonprofit organization run by his son. This scheme resulted in his son receiving financial support for graduate school admission, a scholarship, and a paid professorship. Flynn, aged 84, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery last year and was put on 1½ years of home confinement.

The consequences of Ridley-Thomas’ actions extended to his political career. In October 2021, the City Council suspended him following the charges, and his seat was deemed vacant upon his conviction. This marked a significant downfall for Ridley-Thomas, who previously served in the state Senate and Assembly and garnered respect for his involvement in civil rights causes.

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