The founder of a now-defunct non-profit organization has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly bribing former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Hoang Do to secure approximately $12 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Justice Department announced that Peter Anh Pham, 65, of Garden Grove, is facing multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery.
Thanh Huong Nguyen, 61, of Santa Ana, is also charged with related offenses. While Pham is considered a fugitive from justice, Nguyen’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli commented on the case stating: “These two defendants are charged with conspiring with a corrupt politician to pad their pockets while the nation suffered under the weight of COVID-19.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to prosecute those who misused government aid intended for pandemic relief.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer described the conspiracy as “a house of cards built on lies, betrayal, and insatiable greed,” highlighting the importance of accountability for misuse of public funds.
According to the indictment unsealed today, Pham was an associate of Do, who served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors until his resignation in October 2024. Do pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy charges and awaits sentencing.
From June 2020 to October 2024, Do allegedly used his position to allocate millions in county funds within his district and directed contracts and grants towards Pham and Nguyen. In June 2020, Do approved $5 million in federal COVID-19 funding for a nutrition program and authorized himself a budget which he could distribute independently. Shortly after this approval, Pham founded Viet America Society (VAS), through which he allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities alongside Nguyen’s Hand-to-Hand Relief Organization Inc. (H2H).
In exchange for bribes paid through family members’ accounts, Do reportedly facilitated favorable terms for VAS and H2H contracts with the county. These organizations then transferred most received funds elsewhere or spent them on personal expenses such as rent and real estate investments.
Pham further used county money under false pretenses involving payments disguised as consulting fees. To obscure fund origins, checks were routed through D Air Conditioning Co. LLC before being redirected back to involved parties.
In totality, Pham and Nguyen are accused of unlawfully acquiring around $12 million through these schemes. Both face significant potential prison sentences if convicted—up to 20 years per count for various offenses—and additional penalties specific to bribery charges against Pham.
Investigations are being conducted by the FBI along with local authorities from Orange County’s District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation division. Prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Nandor F.R. Kiss and Rosalind Wang among others from relevant legal offices involved in asset forfeiture recovery efforts.
