Los Angeles city councilman accused of steering $950k in public cash to wife’s firm
Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price, a long-standing member of the City Council, is facing trial on 12 felony public-corruption charges. The charges include allegations of directing nearly $1 million in public funds to his wife’s consulting firm, Del Richardson & Associates, Inc. Price is accused of repeatedly voting on city business involving his wife’s firm without disclosing conflicts of interest.
Price, 75, represents South Los Angeles and has been known as a quiet and humble figure at City Hall. He has focused on initiatives to improve infrastructure, affordable housing, and social programs in one of the city’s poorest communities. However, prosecutors allege that Price directed over $950,000 in funds to his wife’s firm from developers, the Housing Authority, and LA Metro while seeking work with the city.
The judge ruled that there was enough evidence to move the case forward, making Price the latest council member to face serious corruption charges. Prosecutors claim that Price supported funding motions and grant applications without disclosing conflicts of interest. Additionally, Price is accused of embezzling city funds by placing his wife on his taxpayer-funded health insurance plan while falsely claiming she was his spouse.
Prosecutors also allege that Price steered city lease agreements and federal COVID-19 grants to a non-profit organization where he served as CEO. The case has raised questions about conflicts of interest within Price’s office, with his deputy chief of staff testifying that staff members may have missed conflicts of interest related to Richardson’s work.
Price is not the first council member to face corruption charges in Los Angeles. In recent years, other council members like Mark Ridley-Thomas, José Luis Huizar, and Mitchell Englander have been sentenced to prison for various corruption-related crimes. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the importance of holding Price accountable for the alleged corruption.
The arraignment for Price is scheduled for March 13 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption within the Los Angeles City Council and the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.
