Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price will stand trial on public corruption charges following a ruling Wednesday by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Shelly Torrealba. The judge found “sufficient cause” to move forward with the case after a multi-day hearing.
Charges and Allegations
Councilman Price, who represents the South Los Angeles/Exposition Park district, faces five counts of grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, four counts of conflict of interest, and three counts of perjury by declaration. He has maintained his innocence.
The allegations center around Price’s failure to disclose financial connections between his wife’s company, Del Richardson & Associates, and developers, the Housing Authority for the City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – all entities with pending matters before the City Council. He is also accused of failing to recuse himself from votes related to these projects.
Additionally, Price is accused of embezzling nearly $33,800 in city funds between 2013 and 2017 to cover medical benefits for Delbra Pettice Richardson, while reportedly still legally married to Lynn Suzette Price.
Legal Arguments and Responses
Price’s attorney, Michael Schafler, argued the prosecution’s case contained “a lot of gaps, a lot of holes” and expressed confidence in his client’s eventual exoneration. He stated that while “many mistakes were made,” a process existed within Price’s office to identify conflicts of interest.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman countered that Price repeatedly engaged in “deception, fraud and conflict of interest” and attempted to deflect responsibility. He emphasized that “elected officials cannot enrich themselves at the expense of their constituents.”
Judge Torrealba reportedly found testimony from witnesses presented by the defense to be biased, noting “a level of bias in favor of the defendant” that “came through very clearly.”
What’s Next?
Price is currently free on his own recognizance and is scheduled for arraignment on March 13 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse. If convicted, he could face up to 11 years and four months in custody. A trial could last months, and the outcome remains uncertain.
Recent Legal Issues in Los Angeles City Government
Price is not the first Los Angeles city official to face legal challenges in recent years. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges, and Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted in 2023 on federal charges. Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned in 2022 following the release of a recording containing racist remarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Councilman Price facing?
Councilman Price is charged with five counts of grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, four counts of conflict of interest, and three counts of perjury by declaration.
When is Councilman Price’s next court appearance?
Councilman Price is scheduled for arraignment on March 13 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.
What is the potential sentence if Councilman Price is convicted?
If convicted, Price could face up to 11 years and four months in custody, including up to nine years and four months in state prison and up to two years in county jail.
Given the recent history of legal issues within Los Angeles city government, what impact might this case have on public trust?
