Mayor Amezcua speaks out on Supervisor Do’s resignation and guilty plea

The resignation of Supervisor Andrew Do from the Orange County Board of Supervisors and his departure mark the end of a deeply troubling chapter in our community’s leadership, as it comes in the wake of serious allegations of bribery and conspiracy to defraud the public.

Supervisor Do’s involvement in a scheme to steal millions of dollars intended to feed needy seniors represents a gross violation of public trust. The revelation that only a fraction of these funds reached their intended recipients while the rest was siphoned off for personal gain is shocking, deeply disheartening, and a betrayal of the most vulnerable in our community, more so knowing that Supervisor Do once represented our Santa Ana residents.

Do’s agreement to plead guilty and his subsequent forfeiture of illicit proceeds and properties is a necessary step toward accountability, but his resignation raises critical questions about the systems in place and I urge the Board of Supervisors to embrace this moment as an opportunity for reflection and reform. We need transparent leadership that prioritizes the welfare of our constituents, especially those most in need. I also hope that the ongoing investigations will continue to bring to light any remaining abuses and ensure that justice is fully served.

I want to thank U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada from the U.S. Department of Justice, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and all other law enforcement agencies involved who exposed the misuse of public funds. Their tireless work has played a crucial role in protecting public interest.

As Mayor, I will work with the City Manager and his Executive Management Team to safeguard the City’s current protocols and vet the mechanisms in place to avoid similar incidents at City Hall.