"If anyone dared rebuff his call to pay bribes, he punished them and their city projects, threatening developers with indefinitely delayed projects and financial peril," said the U.S. Attorney's Office, highlighting Huizar's coercive tactics that undermined city development for personal gain.
U.S. District Judge John F. Walter stated that the 13-year sentence was intended to 'engender respect' for anti-corruption laws, addressing the significant damage Huizar's actions inflicted upon democracy and his constituents.
Huizar orchestrated a pay-to-play scheme, granting lucrative opportunities in his district to developers in exchange for lavish gifts and bribes, fundamentally betraying the public trust.
Last year, Huizar pleaded guilty to felony charges of racketeering and tax evasion, culminating in a $444,000 restitution order to the city of Los Angeles and $39,000 to the IRS.
Collection
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