Trayon White Bribery Allegations Backed by ‘Substantial Evidence,’ Investigation Reveals
A law firm hired by the Washington, D.C. Council has found “substantial evidence” that Democratic Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White violated council rules by using his office for personal financial gain.
White was arrested in August on federal bribery charges, accused of accepting $156,000 in exchange for pressuring two D.C. government agencies to renew or extend contracts and grants, according to a federal indictment filed in September.
The report, conducted by the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, concluded that there was substantial evidence linking White to actions that violated several provisions of the D.C. Code of Conduct, particularly those related to the bribery allegations. However, the investigation also found that while there was substantial evidence tying White to the 10K Hill South apartments in Ward 6, there was insufficient evidence to prove that he violated the residency requirement by living outside his ward.
White declined to participate in interviews for the investigation and did not provide requested documents related to the case.
The D.C. Council is set to meet on Monday at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the findings and consider potential sanctions against White.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson previously expressed concern about the federal charges, calling them “deeply disturbing.” He added that while a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the allegations are damaging to public trust in the council.
Council members could vote to expel White from his seat if there is enough evidence that he broke the law. White was reelected to the council in November.
