D.C. Councilman Trayon White Accused of Code of Conduct Violations in Report
An investigation by a law firm hired by the Washington, D.C., Council has uncovered “substantial evidence” that Democratic Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White violated council rules by misusing his office for financial gain.
White was arrested in August on federal bribery charges, with prosecutors alleging he accepted $156,000 in cash in exchange for pressuring two D.C. government agencies to renew or extend contracts and grants for an associate. The indictment, filed in September, detailed the accusations against the councilman.
A report by Latham & Watkins LLP concluded that White’s actions violated multiple provisions of the D.C. Code of Conduct, including rules within the Council’s Code of Official Conduct.
Residency Allegations Addressed
The investigation also examined claims that White violated the residency requirement for council members. While evidence suggested he was linked to the 10K Hill South apartments in Ward 6, the report found no substantial evidence to confirm he lived outside his Ward 8 jurisdiction, a requirement for his position.
White declined to cooperate with investigators, refusing interviews and failing to provide requested documents related to the case.
Council Deliberations Scheduled
The D.C. Council is scheduled to meet on Monday at 9:30 a.m. to review the findings of the investigation and deliberate on potential sanctions against White. Possible actions include recommending his expulsion from the council if sufficient evidence supports that he broke the law.
Council Chairman Phil Mendelson previously expressed his concern about the situation, stating, “The federal charges against Council member Trayon White are deeply disturbing. Notwithstanding the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty, the allegations, together with the government’s affidavit, are a gut punch to the public trust in the Council.”
White, who was reelected to his Ward 8 seat in November, now faces significant scrutiny as the council weighs its response to the allegations.
