Federal authorities have launched a sweeping investigation into alleged misuse of COVID-19 relief funds involving Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. On Monday, FBI agents raided multiple properties, including Do’s personal residence, the home of his daughter Rhiannon Do, and locations connected to the Viet America Society (VAS)—a nonprofit that received more than $13 million in pandemic-related government grants.
Allegations of Financial Impropriety and Nepotism
According to investigators, the core of the probe centers on allegations that Supervisor Do inappropriately steered county resources toward the Viet America Society, an organization founded by his daughter. Authorities believe that this financial support was funneled through discretionary funding channels, circumventing proper disclosure protocols and raising serious concerns about transparency and governance.
Federal documents suggest that large portions of the relief funds intended for community support and public health outreach were instead spent on luxury goods and high-end real estate. One source indicated that some of the money was used to purchase expensive homes unrelated to the organization’s stated mission, signaling potential fraud on a significant scale.
A Nonprofit Under Fire
The Viet America Society positioned itself as a critical provider of services to underserved Asian American communities during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent findings indicate that the organization may have functioned as a front for personal enrichment. The investigation is examining how VAS was awarded such a substantial portion of emergency funds with limited public scrutiny or competitive bidding.
Moreover, county officials and watchdog groups are raising red flags over the absence of checks and balances that allowed these transactions to proceed. The case now threatens to unravel deeper issues of financial oversight in Orange County’s distribution of emergency funding.
Political Fallout and Public Response
The raids have provoked sharp condemnation from within the county government. Supervisor Katrina Foley issued a public statement calling for Do’s resignation, declaring, “If Supervisor Do does not resign, I will pursue every legal avenue available to have him removed from office.” Her comments underscore the political pressure mounting around the scandal, as public trust in local leadership continues to erode.
The community response has been one of shock and betrayal, particularly among those who relied on pandemic relief services that were allegedly undermined by the corruption. Advocacy groups are calling for a full audit of all nonprofit funding distributed during the pandemic, while residents demand greater accountability from their elected officials.
Broader Implications
This incident adds to a growing list of fraud investigations linked to COVID-19 relief efforts nationwide, with billions in federal aid now under review for potential abuse. The Orange County case serves as a high-profile reminder of the need for rigorous oversight in emergency funding programs, especially when local government officials are involved in fund distribution.
As the FBI continues its investigation, the future of Andrew Do’s political career hangs in the balance. Further charges and additional revelations are expected as forensic accounting teams delve deeper into financial records tied to both VAS and county expenditures.
