Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price has requested his colleagues’ support in allowing him to continue serving on the council while he fights criminal charges. A council committee will decide on Friday whether or not to suspend Price. In a statement released on Wednesday, Price defended his record of public service and expressed confidence that the charges against him were unfounded. He argued that it would be inappropriate to recommend his suspension before he has had the opportunity to address the charges in court. Price emphasized the importance of protecting the voices and concerns of his constituents by allowing him and his dedicated staff to continue serving District 9.
Price, who was charged with embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest on June 13, voluntarily stepped down as council president pro tempore and from his committee assignments the following day. Council President Paul Krekorian introduced a motion to potentially suspend Price from the council, initiating a process that will be discussed in the Rules Committee on Friday and later addressed by the full council.
Representing the Ninth District since 2013, which includes most of South Los Angeles and part of downtown Los Angeles, Price has a long history of public service, having previously served in the state Assembly and state Senate.
Meanwhile, the council appointed Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson as president pro tempore in Price’s absence. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón characterized the charges against Price as a result of a thorough investigation into allegations of public corruption that undermine the government’s integrity and erode public trust in elected officials.
The charges against Price accuse him of casting votes on projects involving developers connected to his wife’s consulting firm. He is also alleged to have embezzled money by having the city cover medical insurance premiums for his now-wife while still legally married to his first wife at the time.
Price’s situation adds to a string of legal and political troubles faced by Los Angeles city officials. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years, while Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted earlier this year for trading votes during his time on the county Board of Supervisors. Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned last year after being recorded in a racially charged conversation regarding redistricting.
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