Former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu has reached an agreement to plead guilty to a range of federal charges, including obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and lying to federal investigators. These charges stem from Sidhu’s actions during an unsuccessful attempt by the city to sell Angel Stadium. Court documents filed on Wednesday provide details of the case.
In a statement, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the detrimental effect of Sidhu’s actions on the city and its residents. McNally expressed the importance of public confidence in the integrity of public officials and assured that the office will continue to root out officials who compromise their integrity.
According to prosecutors, during the negotiations to sell the stadium in 2020, Sidhu shared confidential information belonging to the city, including negotiation details, with an Angels consultant and the former co-president of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, Todd Ament. Prosecutors claim that Sidhu was caught on tape stating that he expected a $1 million campaign contribution from the Angels as compensation for the information he provided.
The plea agreement reveals that Sidhu knowingly destroyed multiple email messages and documents related to his conduct. This was an attempt to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into public corruption surrounding the proposed stadium sale.
One of the allegedly destroyed emails detailed plans for mock City Council meetings designed to help council members and Angels officials prepare for the actual meeting where the stadium sale would be discussed. The plea agreement includes an apparent agenda for one of these mock meetings, outlining the purpose of identifying pitfalls and vulnerabilities. The session would also involve Angels officials in order to enhance their performance.
Sidhu also admitted in the court papers to lying about the sale negotiations when questioned by FBI investigators. He denied expecting any campaign contributions from the Angels.
Additionally, Sidhu admitted to lying to the Federal Aviation Administration about his purchase and registration of a helicopter. He purchased the helicopter while listing an Arizona address despite residing in Anaheim. This amounted to tax fraud as he avoided paying approximately $16,000 in California sales taxes.
Sidhu will appear in federal court in Santa Ana later this month. A date for his plea entry has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 10 years for obstruction of justice, 20 years for wire fraud, and five years for each false statement charge.
Sidhu’s attorney, Paul Meyer, expressed gratitude for the United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation and looks forward to a resolution in the matter.
Sidhu resigned from his position as mayor in May of last year, stating that he did not want to be a distraction to the ongoing federal investigation. Todd Ament, the former co-president of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, pleaded guilty to federal charges last year and cooperated with authorities. He has not yet been sentenced.
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