Elgin Nelson, Staff
L.A. City Councilman Curren Price remains on the job, recently making an appearance as the host of the Central Avenue Jazz Festival ahead of his now twice-delayed arraignment.
“COVID-19 caused us to reimagine this festival virtually for the last several years, there is no better feeling than being back in person,” said Councilmember Price. “This was a time to reconnect with dear friends while immersing ourselves in the rhythm of jazz from world-class musicians and honoring the history of jazz on the West Coast. It was an absolute delight to see first-hand the significance this event has for the community in District 9, Los Angeles and beyond.”
Price has—at least on the surface—remained upbeat in the wake of the criminal charges brought against him by the L.A. District Attorney’s office. The 72-year-old city councilman was charged with five counts of grand theft by embezzlement of government funds, three counts of perjury, and two counts of conflict of interest on June 13.
The criminal complaint against Price states that he sent payments to his wife that totaled more than $150,000 between 2019 and 2021 from developers before he voted to approve projects. He’s also accused of failing to list the money his wife received on government disclosure forms. In addition, he is accused of having the city cover roughly $33,800 in medical premiums for Del Richardson, to whom he claimed to be married, although he was still married at the time to Lynn Suzette Price.
Price continues to maintain his innocence. In an earlier letter to City Council President Paul Krekorian, he characterized the charges as unwarranted.
“I did nothing wrong here. I am still working to clear my name,” Price told L.A. Focus.
In June, the L.A. City Council’s Rule Committee met to consider suspending Price but the committee voted to defer the motion as CD 9 residents and stakeholders came out in force to have their say.
Pastor Shep Crawford and Dr. Jerry Abraham were among the many who spoke out in support of Price.
“I understand how hard this may be. But if you suspend him, and he’s found innocent, then you would have done him wrong,” Crawford said. Abraham adds, “We need to send a message to Black and Brown men in our community that you are innocent until proven guilty, and we must believe in that justice system.”
Councilmember Price’s new arraignment date is set for October 13.