A plea deal was also announced where the former Supervisor will plead guilty to the bribery charge, face a possible 5 years in prison, forfeit over $2.4 million, and resign his position on the OC Board of Supervisors.

This is a day that we ALL have been waiting for to ensure Andrew is held accountable for his misconduct. The indictments demonstrate years of unethical and illegal acts that directly harmed the most vulnerable in our County, and we must continue the investigations until all parties involved are brought to justice, and the systemic problems that led to these abuses are reformed.

We are encouraged to hear the US Attorney and other law enforcement agencies will continue their investigations into others involved in this scheme.

His plea agreement and resignation highlight the degree to which the residents of the First District were harmed. It is fitting that someone who portrayed himself as a champion for the vulnerable and impoverished, while exploiting his position for personal gain, faces criminal prosecution.

Although we knew his conduct was unethical, we now understand the extent to which he used his office to line his pockets and the heartless way he used the most vulnerable residents to further his schemes – at the very moment when his constituents needed his help the most.   

Many residents are angry and feel taken advantage of and betrayed. One man serving time will not alone address the systemic issues that led to this abuse of the office. 

he Board must continue the path to implementing serious ethics reforms, so this conduct is never again tolerated or repeated.