Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price, 79, was reportedly charged with 10 counts of embezzlement, three counts of perjury and two counts of conflict of interest.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said Price allegedly did not list more than $150,000 his wife received between 2019 and 2021 from real estate developers. Price then allegedly voted in favor of projects linked to the developers.

It is also alleged that Price received about $33,800 in medical coverage for his wife, who he was not yet married to at the time.

“Today’s charges against Councilman Curren Price are the result of a thorough investigation into allegations of public corruption,” District Attorney Gascón said in a statement Tuesday. “This alleged conduct undermines the integrity of our government and erodes the public’s trust in our elected officials. We will continue to work tirelessly to root out corruption at all levels and hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has not commented on the charges, but Zach Seidl, a spokesman for Bass said in a statement, “The Mayor has yet to review the charges filed earlier today but she is saddened by this news.”

The charges filed on Price come on the heels of former Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas’ March 30 conviction for corruption charges.

The council also lost its 2022 president, Nury Martinez, after a scandal involving leaked tapes with unsavory conversations involving her, and councilmembers Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo.

In January, former Councilman Jose Huizar pleaded guilty to federal racketeering, conspiracy and tax evasion charges, in connection to a multi-year scheme involving himself and former Councilman Mitch Englander, who was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for his involvement. Price was among the councilmembers being investigated by the FBI in the corruption probe, but was ultimately not charged.

In his time with the council, Price has been a proponent of raising minimum wages, gun control issues and has stood with local leaders for matters involving police conduct and use of force.

Price has stepped down from his position as council president pro tempore, but has not stated intentions to leave his council position.

The investigation is ongoing and Price’s arraignment date has not been set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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