'Shakedown': Los Angeles politician sentenced to 42 months on corruption charges, latest in city scandals
Former Los Angeles City Council Member and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas was sentenced to 42 months in prison on conspiracy, bribery as well as mail and wire fraud convictions on Monday.
Ridley-Thomas was convicted in March for a scheme that was executed with former University of Southern California School of Social Work Dean Marilyn Louise Flynn wherein the then County Supervisor sent the school county contracts in exchange for, “direct and indirect financial benefits.”
As a part of the scheme, Ridley-Thomas sought post-graduate admission, a full scholarship and employment for his son, Sebastian, who was the subject of an internal sexual harassment investigation by the California State Assembly where he had resigned as a representative.
The scheme also funneled $100,000 of campaign funds to Sebastian through the school via Flynn to a non-profit founded by Sebastian.
In exchange, the senior Ridley-Thomas amended a county contract through which a USC telehealth clinic would provide services to county referred patients.
Prosecutors described the scheme as a "shakedown" in a sentencing memo where the government sought a 72-month sentence.
Thomas must surrender to authorities by Nov. 13 and the conviction is being appealed, according to reports.
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The City of Angels has seen more than its share of scandal at 200 N. Spring Street in recent years.
Last year, a racism scandal rocked the city's leadership after a leaked audio recording spurred fury and protest. The incident led to the resignation of then-City Council President Nury Martinez and a powerful labor leader, Ron Herrera.
Long-time Los Angeles politician Kevin de Leon became the center of a political firestorm in the wake of the scandal but has not resigned his seat representing the 14th district on the east side of the city.
In June, prosecutors charged Curren Price, Jr. with five counts of embezzlement of government funds, three counts of perjury, and two counts of conflict of interest. Price stepped down from the council but did not resign and is still listed as the representative for the ninth district.
Former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who left office in December, faced a series of controversies, including sexual harassment allegations against one of his former top aides.
According to Jaime Regalado, former executive director of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles, the series of scandals has caused a cumulative effect on residents and "makes the whole body politic of L.A. look rotten, look illegal."