Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price Pleads Not Guilty in Corruption Case
4/12/2026, 5:08:26 AM
Overview of the Allegations Against Curren Price
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price has pleaded not guilty to a series of corruption charges, including grand theft by embezzlement, conflict of interest, and perjury. The allegations stem from accusations that Price funneled nearly $1 million to his wife Delbra Pettice Richardson’s consulting firm, Del Richardson & Associates, Inc., while failing to disclose these financial ties in required state filings. Prosecutors assert that Price voted on city business that directly benefited his wife's firm, which received over $950,000 from developers and public agencies between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, he is accused of improperly using approximately $33,800 in city funds to cover Richardson’s medical benefits while still legally married to another woman.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Price, who represents City District 9 in South Los Angeles, is facing 12 felony counts and could face up to 11 years and four months in custody if convicted. The case is set to proceed to trial, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 5, 2026. Superior Court Judge Shelly Torrealba previously rejected a defense motion to dismiss the case, citing "sufficient cause" for it to move forward. Price has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Defense and Statements from Key Figures
Price's attorney, Michael Schafler, has expressed confidence in his client's eventual vindication, arguing that the prosecution's case contains "a lot of gaps, a lot of holes." In a statement, Price's representative emphasized that the evidence presented does not demonstrate any intent to commit wrongdoing, suggesting that the case relies on speculation rather than concrete facts. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has characterized the case as a significant step toward accountability for alleged corruption, stating, "The rules are clear: elected officials cannot enrich themselves at the expense of their constituents."
Context of Corruption in Los Angeles City Council
Curren Price is not the first Los Angeles councilmember to face legal challenges related to corruption. Former councilmembers José Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years, while Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted in 2023 for trading votes for personal benefits. This ongoing pattern of corruption within the Los Angeles City Council underscores the challenges of maintaining ethical governance in the city.
What's Next
As the case against Curren Price progresses, the upcoming pretrial hearing on June 5 will be a critical moment in determining the future of the allegations against him. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for public trust in local government and the accountability of elected officials in Los Angeles.
