Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price has been charged with theft by embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in projects with developers connected to his wife’s consulting firm, without reporting the connections.
The criminal complaint also accuses Price of embezzling money between 2013 and 2017. During this period, he allegedly had the city cover medical premiums amounting to approximately $33,800 for Del Richardson, whom he claimed to be married to, despite still being married to Lynn Suzette Price at that time.
Since 2013, Price, who is 72 years old, has been representing the Ninth District, which includes South Los Angeles and Exposition Park. He has previously served in the state Assembly and state Senate.
The charges against Price include five counts of grand theft by embezzlement, three counts of perjury, and two counts of conflict of interest. An arraignment date has not been set yet, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
When asked for comment, Price’s spokeswoman, Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, said, “We have not seen the charges filed against Council member Curren Price. It’s highly unusual for charges like this to be brought up against a sitting City Council member without any prior notice or discussion. Curren Price is a longstanding public servant who has given his life to the city of Los Angeles. He looks forward to defending himself once he’s had an opportunity to address these charges.”
Later in the day, Price sent a letter to Council President Paul Krekorian, stepping down as council president pro tem and surrendering all of his committee assignments. However, he will retain his council seat.
In his letter, Price wrote, “While I navigate through the judicial system to defend my name against unwarranted charges filed against me, the last thing I want to do is be a distraction to the people’s business.” The letter was first obtained by the Los Angeles Times.
Zach Seidl, spokesman for Mayor Karen Bass, released a statement saying, “The mayor has yet to review the charges filed earlier today but she is saddened by this news.”
According to the complaint, between 2019 and 2021, Price’s wife’s consulting firm, Del Richardson & Associates, received payments totaling over $150,000 from two developers. Price then voted on matters related to these companies without disclosing the connections or the payments made to his wife’s company on city disclosure forms.
“Today’s charges against Councilman Curren Price are the result of a thorough investigation into allegations of public corruption,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “This alleged conduct undermines the integrity of our government and erodes the public’s trust in our elected officials. We will continue to work tirelessly to root out corruption at all levels and hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust.”
Price joins a list of Los Angeles city officials who have faced legal and political turmoil. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years. Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was also convicted 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 involved in a racially charged conversation regarding the council’s redistricting process.
Source: Example News
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