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Councilman Curren Price called it “inappropriate” for a Los Angeles City Council committee to recommend suspending him. without having an opportunity to address the corruption charges recently brought against him.
This is Price’s first public statement. since Tuesday, June 13, when Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón’s Office charged him with 10 counts of embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest.
Since 2013, Price has represented District 9, which comprises most of South Los Angeles and Exposition Park, on the City Council.
“I have lived my entire life in public service with honor and with no focus other than the best interests of my constituents. As such, I am eager to respond to both the misguided charges that have been leveled against me and the unjust smears that have been leveled at my wife. I am confident that the court and any fair observer will recognize that these charges are unjustified,” Price said.
“Until I have had the opportunity to address the charges in court, it is inappropriate for the Committee on Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations to recommend my suspension from City Council. While I respect that Council Speaker (Paul) Krekorian has to take any accusation against a Council member seriously, I am presumed innocent, as I am, and the best way to protect people’s voices and concerns in my District is to allow me and my dedicated team to continue serving the needs of District 9,” he added.
It is expected that this Friday said committee has a meeting, in which it is considered to suspend Price while he faces his legal process.
The committee’s decision regarding Price will be solely a recommendation, because the decision to definitively suspend him from his position corresponds to the plenary session of the Municipal Council.
Price is expected to be arraigned on July 13.
Curren Price is accused of having the city pay $33,800 in medical premiums for his partner Del Richardson between 2013 and 2017, while he was still legally united to his first wife, Lynn Suzette Price.
According to court records, Price filed for divorce from his first wife in 2011, but the process was not officially finalized until February 2018..
In the District Attorney’s complaint, it is said that, between 2019 and 2021, developers paid more than $150,000 to consulting firm Del Richardson & Associates, which is owned by Price’s second wife.
After the payments were made, the councilman voted on issues related to said developers, plus that failed to report such connections or money paid to his wife’s company on city disclosure forms.
Price voluntarily resigned as chairman pro tempore and all his committee assignments. of the Municipal Council, despite having the intention of defending himself.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously named Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson as its new president pro tempore.
Keep reading:
· Political Round: The political fall of Councilor Curren Price
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