The OC Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed Tuesday, Sept. 24, to censure First District Supervisor Andrew Do, publicly condemning him for “demonstrating reckless and unethical conduct in the performance of his duties as a fiduciary of public funds.”
The other four supervisors already removed Do from his board and committee assignments earlier this month. He has missed multiple Board of Supervisor meetings, including Tuesday’s meeting.
Do has faced calls to resign from community members, including the Huntington Beach City Council, and from his colleagues on the board, OC Supervisors Katrina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento, who have raised questions about his ability to effectively represent constituents.
Do is responsible for directing millions of dollars to two nonprofits, Viet America Society and Hand to Hand Relief Organization, Inc., organizations that are now facing county lawsuits alleging the groups’ leaders embezzled funds to enrich themselves. Most of the tax dollars in question came from Do’s First District discretionary fund.
When awarding public funds to Viet America Society, Do did not disclose that his daughter held leadership roles at the time contracts were awarded to the group, drawing further criticism, though not a violation of county policy or state law.
“Unfortunately, although Supervisor Do is not named in the complaint, his office appears to be at the epicenter of misuse of public funds, as evidenced by litigation, investigations and raids by the District Attorney, the IRS and US Attorney’s Office,” Sarmiento said. “We can’t force him to step down, but we can publicly condemn the conduct that we see swirling around his office.”
Do did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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