GARDEN GROVE, CA – Federal agents executed search warrants at multiple locations, including the home of an Orange County supervisor’s daughter, as part of an investigation into a nonprofit organization accused of misappropriating millions in COVID-19 relief funds.
The FBI raided the offices of the America Society and the residences of its president, Peter Pham, and Rhiannon Doe, the daughter of Orange County Supervisor Andrew Doe. The raids follow a lawsuit filed earlier this month by Orange County, alleging that the nonprofit diverted $13 million intended for providing meals to the elderly and disabled during the pandemic. Instead, the funds were reportedly used to purchase properties, including a home in Tustin.
A neighbor of Rhiannon Doe shared his surprise upon learning about the allegations. “We were told the father bought it for his daughter, who lived abroad. It was supposed to help her gain citizenship, but we never expected this,” he said. “It’s shocking to think that money meant for senior citizens during COVID was used like this.”
Calls for Supervisor Doe to resign have intensified. The Harper Institute for Immigrant and Economic Justice released a statement condemning Doe’s actions, stating that he has failed the residents of his district, which includes many working-class immigrants and refugees. The institute reaffirmed its demand for his resignation.
California State Senator David Eggman also weighed in, criticizing the culture of corruption in Orange County politics. “I’m glad the FBI is investigating this serious allegation of public corruption,” Eggman said. He expressed hope that the investigation would push for the passage of his anti-corruption legislation, which would require elected officials to disclose and abstain from voting on contracts involving their relatives.
The proposed Rebuilding Trust Anti-Corruption Bill aims to increase transparency and accountability among elected officials. If signed into law, it would be a significant step toward preventing similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments, hoping for justice and a restoration of trust in their local government.