| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2025 | Contact: Tori Richards (714) 421-8319 |
Federal judge has harsh words for Andrew Do before sentencing him to the maximum
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Andrew Do, a former Orange County supervisor, was finally held to account for his crimes after U.S. District Court Judge James Selna sentenced him to the maximum five years in prison today for bribery.
“His actions undermine the trust that people have in their government and the (charges) need to restore that trust,” said Judge Selna. He then said Do could’ve been charged with crimes of up to 15 years in prison but the court is bound by a 5-year plea deal, which is troubling.
Do was also sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to return Aug. 11 for a restitution hearing. His prison sentence will begin Aug. 15.
Do’s corruption scheme began in 2021 when he received more than $550,000 in bribes for funneling over $10 million in federal COVID relief funds to a non-profit affiliated with his daughter, Rhiannon Do. Some of the money went toward the purchase of homes for Rhiannon and others and to remodel Andrew Do’s home. The funds were largely supposed to feed hungry homebound seniors during COVID and to build a Vietnam War memorial.
“This is a bittersweet day. I want to thank the judge for seeing what we saw in this case and giving Andrew Do the maximum sentence. Five years is not a long time for what he has done -- victimizing tens of thousands of seniors who were hungry and needed help,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who is in the district that Do victimized. “He has no remorse and instead falsely claims he didn’t know what was happening. Yet he used to prosecute these types of cases and his wife is a judge. His conduct is shameful.”
Supervisor Janet Nguyen was also the driving force behind a Board of Supervisors letter to the Department of Justice asking for a county victim impact statement to the judge outlining the damage inflicted on the community.
Judge Selna said he relied on the victim statement in evaluating the case.
Do’s legal issues are not over. The County of Orange has filed a civil suit against Do, his daughter, and several associates involved in the theft.
Timeline
Nov. 3, 2024: Senator Janet Nguyen writes letter to County of Orange requesting freeze on funds to company affiliated with Do.
Dec. 2, 2024: Orange County Supervisor Vincent Sarmiento calls for a forensic audit of all contracts directed or influenced by Andrew Do
Dec. 3, 2024: Janet Nguyen takes office as Orange County supervisor to fill Do’s unexpired term.
Jan. 16, 2025: The County of Orange adds Andrew Do to its civil suit against nonprofits accused of embezzling county funds.
Jan. 27, 2025: Annual Tet Festival is canceled due to lack of funds because Do spent the entire discretionary fund balance before he left office.
April 22, 2025: Board of Supervisors vote to ask the US Department of Justice to reassess the Do case and look at potential charges for other involved parties.
May 12, 2025: Board of Supervisors vote to deliver a victim impact statement to the US Department of Justice.
June 9, 2024: Andrew Do is sentence to 5 years in prison.
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Supervisor Janet Nguyen represents the First District of Orange County Board of Supervisors, which is the cities of Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster and the unincorporated areas of Midway City and Rossmoor. Supervisor Nguyen served in the California State Senate, California State Assembly and as Orange County Supervisor and Garden Grove City Councilmember.
