A Washington, D.C. councilmember, accused by federal authorities of accepting $156,000 in bribes, is set to appear in court this week following his re-election victory. Trayon White Sr., the Ward 8 Councilman, secured a landslide win with nearly 76% of the vote, defeating his Republican challenger. Despite the ongoing legal issues, White expressed confidence in the support of his constituents, emphasizing the importance of decisions being in the hands of the people.
The Justice Department alleges that White agreed to accept bribes in exchange for influencing government employees to extend D.C. contracts worth $5.2 million. The criminal complaint details cash payments made to White and captures the agreement on video. If convicted, White could face up to 15 years in prison.
In response to the allegations, White was removed from his committee position by the D.C. Council and is under investigation by an outside legal firm. The Council is expected to receive a report on the investigation by mid-December, with a decision on White's expulsion likely to occur in early 2025.
White is scheduled to appear in court for his federal case this week, having previously rejected a plea deal. Prosecutors are seeking to begin jury selection in July 2025. The unfolding legal saga surrounding White's bribery charges continues to draw attention and scrutiny in the nation's capital.
