$800,000 Funneled to Wife’s Firm—A Glimpse into LA’s Feudal Political Structure
#LAcorruption #CurrenPrice #LAcitycouncil #embezzlement #publicfundsabuse #delrichardson #LAscandal #abuseofpower #LApolitics #systemiccorruption
Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price (74, District 9) has been indicted yet again—this time for embezzling nearly $800,000 in public funds through a firm owned by his wife, Del Richardson. The scandal underscores the unchecked power and deep-rooted dysfunction within LA’s political system.
The Allegations
- Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA): Between October 2019 and June 2020, Richardson’s firm received $600,000 while Price voted to allocate $285 million in subsidies to HACLA.
- LA Metro: From 2020 to 2021, the firm received $220,000, during which time Price introduced and passed a $30 million funding bill for LA Metro.
Despite internal staff warnings about conflicts of interest, Price allegedly pushed forward without recusal. Prosecutors emphasized that his staff explicitly raised red flags before the votes, which were ignored.
Recidivist Politician
This isn’t his first legal rodeo. In 2023, Price was indicted on 10 felony counts—including perjury, conflict of interest, and theft. If convicted, he could face up to 11 years in prison.
He now joins the ranks of disgraced LA officials like Mark Ridley-Thomas and Mitchell Englander, feeding the narrative that corruption in LA City Hall is more systemic than incidental.
Why Is He Still in Office?
Despite the overwhelming evidence and public outcry, Price continues to collect a paycheck and wield power. Here’s why:
- Presumption of Innocence: LA city rules do not force resignation upon indictment. Only a final conviction can trigger removal.
- Council Culture of Protection: It’s rare for council members to vote out a peer. There’s an unspoken pact—“today it’s him, tomorrow it could be me.”
- Voter Apathy & Incumbent Advantage: District 9, home to many low-income and immigrant families, has low voter turnout. Incumbents win re-election easily through organized support—even as scandals go unnoticed or are dismissed with “all politicians are corrupt” shrugs.
- Delays in Legal Proceedings: White-collar corruption trials often drag on for years, allowing indicted officials to serve full terms while under criminal scrutiny.
- Feudal Grip on Power: Each of the 15 LA council members has virtual autonomy over their district’s budget and development. It’s a modern-day fiefdom, with little oversight.
The Bigger Picture
This is more than just one corrupt politician. It reflects a chronic illness in LA governance—a mix of outdated systems, legal loopholes, insider loyalty, and civic disengagement.
Until voters demand structural reform and accountability, corrupt officials like Curren Price will continue to rule comfortably from their council chairs.
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