Former LA Deputy Mayor Found Guilty in City Hall Corruption Case

Los Angeles, Mar 28 AP - In a significant development within Los Angeles City Hall, former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan has been found guilty of engaging in a comprehensive corruption scheme. The federal jury delivered a verdict convicting Chan of racketeering, bribery, fraud, and providing false statements to investigators. This decision came swiftly, less than a day following the conclusion of closing arguments. Chan's sentencing has been scheduled for June 10.

Chan's legal representative, John Hanusz, has expressed intentions to appeal the conviction. The case marks Chan's second trial related to bribery allegations tied to real estate development projects in downtown Los Angeles. A previous trial was declared a mistrial last April due to the hospitalization of Chan's then-lawyer, Harland Braun.

The prosecution painted a picture of Chan as a key figure in exploiting the real estate boom for personal gain. Assistant US Attorney Brian R. Faerstein highlighted Chan's role as an intermediary between Chinese developers and former City Council member Jose Huizar. Huizar, who led the committee overseeing such projects, was sentenced in January to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to racketeering and tax evasion charges.

Despite the accusations, Hanusz argued that Chan's actions were motivated by a desire to foster a more business-friendly environment in Los Angeles rather than personal greed. He pointed out that unlike Huizar, who accepted various forms of bribes, Chan did not receive similar benefits.

Chan served as the top executive at the Department of Building and Safety until 2016 before becoming deputy mayor under Mayor Eric Garcetti. Following his tenure in city government, he transitioned into consulting for real estate developers. Prosecutors allege that Chan established a consulting firm while still employed by the city and later received payments from a developer for government actions he oversaw.

This case underscores ongoing concerns regarding corruption within city government and its impact on Los Angeles' development landscape. With Chan being the last defendant in the City Hall corruption investigation to stand trial, this verdict marks a pivotal moment in addressing these systemic issues.