Trayon White, a Councilmember for Ward 8 in the District of Columbia, has been indicted on bribery charges, as stated in a recent filing by the US District Court. His arrest took place on Sunday evening, executed by the FBI.
The indictment outlines allegations that White received bribes from a confidential informant, who was cooperating with law enforcement after admitting to securing fraudulent loans during the Covid-era Paycheck Protection Program. The government asserts that White accepted multiple bribes expecting to assist the informant’s company, which had previously been removed from its contract with the city for falsifying background checks.
Specific allegations include White accepting a bribe of $20,000 in 2020, as well as receiving travel benefits to the Dominican Republic and Las Vegas to assist with the contract issue, though he was unsuccessful. In June, he allegedly took about $35,000 in cash and agreed to accept approximately $156,000 to influence employees at the DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to renew the informant’s contracts.
As the chair of the District’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, which oversees the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, White is alleged to have accepted a 3 percent kickback on any contract secured by the informant’s company, while also requesting upfront cash payments.
The indictment lists specific cash amounts accepted by White on various dates: $15,000 on June 24, $5,000 on July 17, $10,000 on July 25, and $5,000 on August 9. The informant reportedly recorded conversations and took photographs of White accepting these bribes, which are included in the indictment alongside transcripts of their discussions and WhatsApp messages.
White’s political career has seen its share of controversies. In 2018, he drew national attention for a statement blaming Jewish financiers for a snowfall, which he later apologized for. He has also made headlines for promoting protests that led to harassment and spreading conspiracy theories following the death of rapper Nipsey Hussle. In 2021, he announced an unsuccessful run for mayor, incurring significant debts related to his campaign.
As of now, White’s attorney has not provided any comments regarding the indictment.