D.T. Carson
In advance of a Friday (June 23) meeting of the L.A. City Council’s Rules Committee to consider the possible suspension of Ninth District Councilmember Curren Price following charges of embezzlement, the veteran legislator expressed his dismay and characterized the move as inappropriate.
“I have lived my entire life in public service honorably and with no other focus than the best interests of my constituents,” Price said in a statement released by his office. “As such, I am eager to respond both to the misguided charges that have been filed against me, and the unfair aspersions that have been cast upon my wife. I am confident that the court, and any fair observers, will recognize that these charges are unwarranted.
“Until I have had an opportunity to address the charges in court, it is inappropriate for the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee to recommend my suspension from the City Council,” Price continued. “While I respect that Council President Krekorian has to take any allegations against a member of the Council seriously, I am presumed innocent, as indeed I am, and the best way to protect the voices and concerns of those in my District is to allow me and my dedicated staff to continue to serve the needs of District 9.”
Earlier this month Price was charged with five counts of grand theft by embezzlement of government funds, three counts of perjury and two counts of conflict of interest. According to a criminal complaint, Price’s wife allegedly received payments totaling more than $150,000 between 2019 and 2021 from developers before he voted to approve projects. He also is accused of failing to list the money his wife received on government disclosure forms. In addition to having a financial interest in projects that he voted on, he is being charged with having the city pay for medical benefits for his now wife while he was still married to his former wife.
An arraignment date is still pending.