DC Council to decide on Trayon White's potential expulsion
Trayon White heads to DC Council hearing Tuesday afternoon
Several members of Ward 8 remain in support of Council member Trayon White ahead of his hearing on Tuesday, January 28.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. Council member Trayon White, faces a hearing on Tuesday to determine whether he will be expelled from the council after being charged with a federal count of bribery.
Several members of Ward 8 remain in support of White ahead of his hearing on Tuesday, January 28 at noon. White will be able to defend himself during the hearing and hear evidence against him.
DC councilmember Trayon White faces potential expulsion
The backstory:
The ad hoc committee investigating bribery allegations against Washington, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White has voted to recommend the expulsion of the embattled lawmaker.
This unanimous decision, made in December, follows the committee's review of a damning report, which found "substantial evidence" that White violated the D.C. Code of Conduct in office.
Report finds Trayon White violated DC Council's Code of Conduct
D.C. Councilmember Trayon White is one step closer to being expelled from the Council following the release of an investigative report that alleges he violated multiple provisions of the city’s code of conduct.
"Let’s cut through the legal jargon. Trayon White is accused of taking bribes," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said in a statement Monday. "The prosecutors have established probable cause, our own independent investigation found substantial evidence that he took bribes, and public servants are prohibited from taking bribes. This is quintessential corruption."
What we know:
The independent investigation, conducted by the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP and commissioned by the ad hoc committee of the council, examined those allegations.
Who is Trayon White? A look at the DC Councilmember arrested on bribery charges
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson confirmed Sunday that Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White was arrested by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sunday afternoon on bribery charges, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Based on documents, interviews, emails, and texts, investigators found "substantial evidence that Councilmember White violated Council Rules and several provisions of the Code of Official Conduct." Specifically, investigators say White accepted cash from certain business owners in exchange for agreeing to meet with and influence D.C. government officials who approved their contracts. The report says White had a ledger detailing the profits he expected to make, including a kickback of 3% of the grants he helped renew.
What's next:
The outcome of this hearing could determine whether White remains on the council or faces expulsion in what would be a significant political shakeup for the city.