WASHINGTON — DC Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White, who has been charged with bribery, faced his constituents for the first time since his arrest. On Thursday morning, he hosted a senior community meeting where he spoke to his constituents.
“I’m still here and I ain’t going nowhere. I believe God is going to do something miraculous in our ward and I plan on being here when it happens.” White said.
White was arrested by the FBI in August. He’s being charged with bribery and is accused of accepting at least $35,000 in cash and the promise of further kickbacks totaling over $150,000.
The DC Council removed White from his committee leadership following the federal charges.
When WUSA9 asked White what he had to say to constituents who say they've lost trust in him, he said "no comment."
Ward 8 residents showed up to the community meeting to support White with hugs and prayers.
“If we are in a community, that means his pain is our pain. So let’s do what we have to do move forward and get this straightened out,” Sandra, a Ward 8 resident, said.
“Well I’m still going to vote for him. People have issues but, until I hear both sides, he’s still going to be my councilman,” Shellie Mack, a Ward 8 resident, said.
If convicted, White faces 15 years in prison, and council could try to remove him from his seat.
Despite the charges, White is staying in the race for re-election in November.
His trial is set for after the election.