On Thursday, August 22, 2024, LAist reported that California Judge Cheri Pham’s family home was searched by multiple federal law enforcement agencies.
Cheri Pham is an Assistant Presiding Judge for the Orange County Superior Court. According to real estate records, she owns a family home in North Tustin, California jointly with her husband, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. On August 22, over a dozen law enforcement agents from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and Orange County District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at this property.
Neighbors observed many black vehicles parked outside the home during the raid. An LAist reporter overheard an agent at the scene say they were searching for documents. The search lasted several hours, and agents removed boxes and bags of potential evidence before departing.
Judge Pham’s husband, Andrew Do, is currently under investigation for his role in allocating millions in taxpayer dollars to nonprofits with questionable spending practices. In particular, Do directed over $13 million in public funds to Viet America Society (VAS) without disclosing that the nonprofit was led by his daughter, Rhiannon Do.
An ongoing LAist investigation has uncovered indications that large sums from VAS were improperly used to purchase multiple luxury homes, including a $1 million property owned by Rhiannon Do. In response, Orange County filed a lawsuit earlier this month accusing VAS leaders including Rhiannon Do of fraudulently diverting funds meant to help seniors and veterans.
As an Orange County Superior Court judge, Cheri Pham is bound by strict ethics regulations regarding commenting on ongoing criminal or civil cases. A court spokesperson confirmed she is unable to discuss the matter due to these rules. However, the search of her family home suggests she may be connected to the widening corruption probe involving her husband and daughter.
Federal agents searching the Pham-Do residence, along with other locations connected to VAS and individuals named in the fraud suit, signals an escalation in the investigation. The raid came just days after Orange County officials filed their lawsuit alleging million-dollar fraud and demanding the return of misused public money. Local leaders are calling for accountability and transparency as the probe into potential misuse of taxpayer dollars continues.
Source: LAist
