Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price has been formally ordered by an L.A. County Superior Court judge to stand trial on 12 felony counts, including embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. The ruling follows a multi-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors presented evidence alleging that Price utilized his public office to benefit his wife’s private business ventures, specifically through payments from developers seeking his support for high-stakes municipal projects. This judicial decision clears the path for a full criminal trial, representing a significant escalation in the ongoing investigations into public corruption within the Los Angeles City Council.
Key Highlights
- The Charges: Curren Price is facing 12 felony counts, including embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest.
- The Ruling: A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge determined there is substantial evidence to proceed to trial after reviewing the prosecution’s case during a preliminary hearing.
- The Allegations: Prosecutors allege Price failed to disclose payments from developers to his wife’s firm while voting on city projects those developers were involved in.
- Status: Despite the trial order, Price remains a sitting member of the Los Angeles City Council representing District 9, though political pressure for his resignation has intensified following the ruling.
The Legal Battle: Inside the Case Against Curren Price
The decision to move to trial represents a major milestone in the high-profile case spearheaded by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The charges brought against the veteran politician stem from a comprehensive investigation by the D.A.’s Public Integrity Division, which scrutinized Price’s legislative actions over several years. Central to the case is the accusation that Price, while serving as a powerful member of the City Council, consistently failed to recuse himself from votes or properly disclose financial ties involving his wife, Del Richardson Price, and various real estate developers operating within his district.
The Anatomy of the 12 Felony Counts
The 12 counts are categorized into specific legal violations that address both fiscal and ethical failures. The embezzlement charges relate to allegations of misappropriating public resources for private financial gain. The conflict of interest charges strike at the heart of municipal governance; they center on the premise that Price had a direct financial interest in the outcome of specific city votes. The perjury charges stem from the assertion that Price intentionally falsified disclosure forms—documents required by law to ensure transparency and prevent corruption—to obscure these financial relationships. The legal threshold for the prosecution was to demonstrate ‘probable cause’ that these crimes occurred, a standard that the judge ruled has been convincingly met.
The Prosecution’s Roadmap to Trial
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors from the District Attorney’s office relied on a combination of financial records, city voting history, and documentation regarding the relationship between the developers and Price’s wife’s consulting firm. By mapping out the timeline of payments and comparing those dates to Price’s voting record on the City Council, the state argued that the pattern of behavior was not accidental but a calculated exertion of influence. The defense, led by legal counsel representing Price, maintained that the payments were legitimate business transactions unrelated to the councilman’s official legislative actions. However, the judge’s ruling indicates that the court found the state’s narrative of ‘quid pro quo’ sufficiently backed by evidence to warrant a jury trial.
Political Fallout and District 9 Governance
District 9, which encompasses large swathes of South Los Angeles, now finds itself in a precarious position. The continued presence of Councilmember Price on the dais has sparked heated debates among city officials and constituents alike. While the legal principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ remains the bedrock of the defense, the political cost of the trial is already manifesting. Several of his colleagues on the City Council have previously called for his suspension or resignation, noting that the cloud of an active criminal trial impedes the Council’s ability to govern effectively. The trial could drag on for months, further complicating the administration of District 9 and potentially leading to a power vacuum or a heightened reliance on deputy staff to navigate critical constituent needs.
The Broader Context: L.A. City Hall Under Scrutiny
This case is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader, more uncomfortable narrative currently unfolding at Los Angeles City Hall. In recent years, a series of scandals involving high-ranking city officials has eroded public trust. From the federal convictions surrounding former council members to the ongoing ethical questions regarding planning and development deals, the case against Curren Price is being viewed by many local watchdogs as a litmus test for the criminal justice system’s ability to hold entrenched political power accountable. If the prosecution secures a conviction, it would set a significant precedent for how future conflict-of-interest cases are litigated in the region, likely leading to stricter oversight and more robust lobbying and disclosure laws in the municipal code.
Anticipating the Trial Dynamics
As the case transitions into the trial phase, the focus will shift to the jury selection process and the presentation of expert witness testimony regarding financial records. The complexity of the evidence—much of which involves arcane city zoning laws, financial disclosure protocols, and intricate contract negotiations—will require a meticulous presentation by both the prosecution and the defense. Observers will be watching closely to see if the defense attempts to introduce character witnesses or challenges the admissibility of specific financial records. The trial is expected to be a drawn-out affair, drawing significant media attention and serving as a focal point for debates regarding municipal integrity in Southern California.
FAQ: People Also Ask
1. What are the specific charges Curren Price is facing?
Curren Price is facing 12 felony counts, which include multiple charges of embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. These charges stem from allegations that he used his public position to financially benefit his wife’s private consulting business through city contracts.
2. Is Curren Price still serving on the City Council?
Yes, Curren Price remains a sitting member of the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 9th District, despite the ongoing criminal proceedings. His legal status does not automatically result in immediate removal from office, though it has generated significant political pressure.
3. What happens next in the legal process?
Following the judge’s ruling that there is sufficient evidence to proceed, the case will move to a formal trial. This stage will involve jury selection, opening statements, the presentation of evidence by both the prosecution and the defense, and eventually, a verdict by a jury.
4. Why is this case significant for Los Angeles politics?
This case is viewed as a significant test of accountability for L.A. City Hall, which has been mired in various corruption scandals over the past few years. A conviction would potentially reshape the city’s approach to municipal ethics, developer influence, and financial disclosure requirements.
