Former Los Angeles Metropolis Councilmember Jose Huizar has agreed to plead responsible to taking $1.5 million in bribes from builders in a sweeping Metropolis Corridor corruption case.
Huizar on Tuesday signed a plea settlement with prosecutors. The deal requires prosecutors to hunt not more than 13 years in jail and Huizar to hunt at least 9 years.
Huizar, who additionally acknowledged he evaded taxes, additionally agreed to make as-yet-undetermined restitution.
The settlement was filed Thursday in federal courtroom. No sentencing date was instantly set.
Huizar, 54, had been scheduled to face trial on Feb. 21 on federal fees that included racketeering conspiracy and bribery.
Prosecutors alleged that from 2013 to 2017, Huizar masterminded a $1.5 million pay-to-play scheme tied to the approval of downtown high-rise developments whereas he chaired the town’s highly effective Planning and Land Use Administration Committee.
Huizar was accused of accepting money, on line casino playing chips, luxurious stays in Las Vegas, costly meals, prostitution companies, political contributions and funds to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit.
The sweeping and ongoing Metropolis Corridor corruption probe already has resulted in 9 defendants being convicted or pleading responsible to federal fees, together with Huizar’s brother, Salvador Huizar; a former Huizar assistant, a Huizar fundraiser and two actual property builders.
The racketeering trial of the final remaining main defendant, former LA Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan, is scheduled for subsequent month.
