E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
The founder of a non-profit organization has been indicted on federal charges, accused of bribing former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Hoang Do to secure approximately $12 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Justice Department announced the indictment against Peter Anh Pham, 65, of Garden Grove, and Thanh Huong Nguyen, 61, of Santa Ana.
Pham faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, concealment money laundering, and bribery. Nguyen is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and concealment money laundering. Pham is currently considered a fugitive from justice while Nguyen's court appearance is scheduled for Monday in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated that the defendants "are charged with conspiring with a corrupt politician to pad their pockets while the nation suffered under the weight of COVID-19." He emphasized ongoing efforts to prosecute those exploiting government aid intended for pandemic relief.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer remarked on the severity of the case: "This conspiracy was a house of cards built on lies, betrayal, and insatiable greed." He stressed the importance of accountability for misusing county funds meant for community aid during the pandemic.
The indictment reveals that Pham was an associate of Do who served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors until his resignation in October 2024. Do pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and will be sentenced soon.
Between June 2020 and October 2024, Do allegedly used his position to allocate millions in county funds within his district at his discretion. He then directed contracts and grants towards Pham and Nguyen's organizations. In one instance, Do approved $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding for a nutrition program which Pham's newly founded Viet America Society (VAS) later accessed.
Pham and Nguyen are accused of misrepresenting their intentions with county contracts through VAS and Hand-to-Hand Relief Organization Inc., falsely certifying fund usage solely for grant purposes. They allegedly transferred most received funds into entities they controlled for personal expenses like rent and investments rather than intended community support.
Payments made by Pham as bribes included those directed towards Do’s daughters. Additionally, county money was used under false pretenses as consulting fees to individuals close to Do’s staff who facilitated favorable contract terms.
If convicted on all charges, Pham could face up to 20 years in prison per count related to conspiracy or wire fraud plus additional time for bribery. The FBI alongside local authorities continues investigating this matter with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Nandor F.R. Kiss and Rosalind Wang among others.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven beyond reasonable doubt; all defendants are presumed innocent until then.
