An exhaustive investigation carried out by the FBI in conjunction with the IRS Criminal Investigation team based in Los Angeles has culminated in the conviction of a former City Councilmember. José Luis Huizar, an inhabitant of Boyle Heights and 55 years of age, served as a City Councilmember in Los Angeles from 2005 through 2020. He was indicted on a series of charges related to tax evasion and bribery in the middle of 2020. Huizar admitted his guilt to one count of conspiracy to infringe upon the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act as well as one count of tax evasion in January of the preceding year.
The preceding Friday, the ex-politician was handed a 13-year imprisonment sentence by US District Judge John F. Walter. Alongside this, Huizar is mandated to reimburse $38,792 to the IRS and an additional $443,905 to the City of Los Angeles. Huizar was given until April 30, 2024 to turn himself in according to a proclamation by the US Attorney’s Office based in the Central District of California.
The prosecuting team disclosed that the enduring investigation revealed the ex-politician’s involvement in criminal conspiracy undertakings through a “pay-to-play scheme”. This arrangement had three primary objectives which were to safeguard his robust political standing, profit from bribery, and successfully conceal these actions from the police.
Moreover, they discovered that Huizar took advantage of cash bribes, political donations and indulged in stays in plush hotels, casinos, private jet trips, and even procured the services of prostitutes. He reciprocated these favors by misusing his stature and public office role to favor real estate developers who provided these perks.
Justice is Above All
In the year 2013, the then City Councilmember found himself at the center of a sexual harassment lawsuit. At this time, Huizar engineered a scheme to covertly direct $600,000 in the form of collateral from Wei Huang, a real estate developer worth billions. By channeling this money through a shell company, Huizar was able to settle the aforementioned lawsuit.
At a different point in time, the former politician accepted close to $1 million in varied benefits from Huang. In return for these advantages, Huizar pledged support for a development project belonging to the real estate magnate. This plan envisioned transforming Huang’s hotel into the tallest edifice west of the Mississippi in downtown Los Angeles.
“The sentence passed down today validates the principle that a high-ranking official like Huizar will face retribution for participating in criminal misconduct.”
Martin Estrada, United States Attorney
United States Attorney Martin Estrada shared his thoughts on the recent verdict, stressing the principle, “No one is above the law.” He emphasized the precedent set by the ruling; powerful politicians who partake in illicit activities will be held accountable. Estrada underlined how Huizar, rather than serving his constituents, engaged in illegal pursuits including running a pervasive pay-to-play scheme and bribery.
