WASHINGTON — Despite winning his bid for reelection, Trayon White is facing expulsion from his position on the DC Council as he faces federal bribery charges.
DC Council on Monday unanimously began the process to expel White. The move would be the harshest possible sanction against the Ward 8 councilmember.
His colleagues insisted Monday's decision to start the expulsion process is not a guilty verdict on the bribery charge against White, but an indication that he has broken D.C. ethics and trust.
White spoke to reporters before the vote surrounded by supporters but had no comment after the vote.
He has pleaded not guilty to the single bribery charge.
This decision comes after an independent investigation into this case determined there is substantial evidence showing that the Ward 8 councilmember violated the DC Code of Conduct.
The 48-page report, released Wednesday, was prepared by the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP, who served as outside counsel to the Ad Hoc Committee that was formed in August to investigate bribery and residency allegations made against White.
White was arrested by the FBI in August and charged with one felony count of bribery, but he maintains his innocence.
Court documents obtained by WUSA9 in September claim White used his position to pressure government agencies to renew lucrative public safety contracts in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in cash and the promise of further kickbacks. Officials allege that in 2020, a person only identified as a Confidential Source paid White $20,000 to help resolve the dispute.
White allegedly agreed to receive approximately $156,000 and accepted $35,000 between four cash payments.
White was arrested on Aug. 18. The confidential source accepted a plea agreement with the government on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, according to an unsealed affidavit.
On Jan. 28, White will be able to respond in a hearing. The final vote on whether to expel him will be taken on Feb. 4. The Council needs 10 out of 11 votes to expel him.
Chairman Phil Mendelson says that he believes White would still be eligible to run again during a special election.
When asked if Mendelson would vote for a second expulsion if White wins, he told us he is taking each case day by day.