[ad_1]
The committee tasked with investigating bribery allegations against Washington, D.C. City Councilman Trayon White Sr. passed a recommendation Monday to expel him for allegedly accepting more than $150,000 in bribes.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend White’s expulsion after reviewing a report that found “substantial evidence” that the lawmaker had violated D.C.’s code of conduct while in office.
After the vote, D.C. Council President Phil Mendelson released a statement about the commission’s decision.
“Let’s stop with the legalese. Trayon White is accused of accepting bribes,” Mendelsohn said. “Prosecutors have established probable cause and our own independent investigation found substantial evidence that he took bribes. Public servants are prohibited from accepting bribes. It’s typical corruption.”
D.C. lawmaker facing federal bribery charges wins reelection in landslide, but colleagues could oust him
D.C. 8th District Councilman Trayon White Sr. speaks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Asbury, the first on-site building constructed at Barry Farm Hillsdale in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 2024. (Craig Hudson of The Washington Post, via Getty Images)
“The only solution is to remove corruption from our bodies,” the councilor later added. “This incident has undermined the public trust necessary for the government to function well. No action short of deportation can rectify the situation.”
White was arrested over the summer on federal bribery charges for allegedly accepting more than $150,000 from a co-worker in exchange for an extension on a violence-blocking contract.
Following the allegations, a City Council select committee commissioned an independent investigation, which was conducted by the law firm Latham & Watkins.
Federal authorities say DC council member had envelopes of cash stuffed in his pockets during bribery charges
D.C. City Councilman Trayon White Sr. departs the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2024 (Michael A. McCoy of The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The report was submitted to the council last week and included detailed analysis along with 29 supporting exhibits, FOX 5 in Washington, D.C., reported.
After reviewing documents, interviews, emails and texts, investigators found “substantial evidence that Councilor White violated several provisions of the Council Rules and the Code of Public Conduct.”
Among other things, investigators said White accepted cash from business owners in exchange for agreeing to meet with and influence government officials approving contracts, the bureau said.
FBI arrests DC City Council member who accused Jewish investors of ‘climate change manipulation’ in 2018
A photo of Trayon White Sr. included in court documents allegedly shows him holding an envelope containing a $10,000 payment in his jacket pocket. (U.S. Department of Justice)
The report also claimed that Mr. White had a ledger detailing the benefits he was seeking to reap, including a 3% rebate on grants he helped renew.
Mendelsohn and White did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment on this story.
The station reported that White said before Monday’s meeting, “In all my previous interviews, there is no clear evidence that anyone has ever said that I tried to grab them.” That’s why I have confidence in it.” ”
The council needed a five-sixths vote to pass the expulsion resolution, the most severe punishment. The expulsion process is expected to take place within 45 days, during which time White will be able to defend himself.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
White’s trial on federal bribery charges is scheduled to begin in January 2026, and he could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.
Greg Wenner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and @GregWehner on Twitter.
[ad_2]Source link
