John Tran
John Tran, the former Rosemead city council member and mayor, has agreed to plead guilty to federal bribery charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Tran, 36, was named in a criminal filing Friday and the plea agreement was also filed. This usually happens when the defendant agrees to plead guilty when confronted by the investigators, in this case, the FBI.
Tran pleads guilty to accepting bribes from a developer who invested in $1.8 million plots of land in Rosemead in exchange for helping him/her with a mixed-use building project. His help came to naught, the project was never approved, and Tran was voted out of office in 2009, losing by 1 vote after two rounds of recount.
The maximum sentencing Tran faces is 10 years in prison, restitution, and a fine of $250,000.
The statement of fact accompanying the plea agreement – Tran is agreeing to all the details in it - shows the gall of Tran, who did not seem to even know the developer beforehand.
Identified in the filing only as a confidential informant (“CI”), the developer bought an empty lot in Rosemead in 2005 for $1.1 million. The previous owner had already had a blueprint for an office building, and CI planned to follow through with it.
So CI went to City Hall to apply for a permit. There, CI met Tran who asked what CI was doing there. CI said, to apply for a permit. Tran then took CI and two city employees into a conference room, introduced himself as a member of the city council.
After hearing CI talk about the permit, Tran and the two city employees suggested that it would be better if CI develop a mixed-use building instead.
They also suggested that CI buy the adjacent lot, which CI eventually did, at a price of $700,000.
Next thing CI knew, Tran showed up at CI’s office. Claiming he’s “help”ing with the permit process, Tran asked for money.
Which shows guts, cuz up until seeing CI at City Hall, Tran didn’t know who CI was.
And a good instinct too, because when Tran asked to “borrow” $3,000, CI went to the bank and got the cash. Tran smelled blood and he scored.
Tran would later come back several times for more cash, $2000 here, $2000 there, and another $3,000.
Then in 2005, Tran came to CI’s office again. This time, somehow he got suspicious and searched the place for recording devices. CI wasn’t happy, and asked Tran what had he done for CI after getting all CI’s money. Tran said “this” and handed a stack of paper, showing that CI’s project had been preliminarily approved.
Tran then asked for even more money. CI told Tran to go see CI’s partner. He did, and partner signed him a check made out to “Cash” for $3,200.
So, altogether, Tran got $13,200 from CI.
After that, though, CI refused to give Tran any more money.
In 2009, Tran got voted out of office. CI’s project was never approved by the city.
After losing his election, Tran ran for the El Monte Union High School Board and won.
Right now, he’s running for the newly created 49th Assembly District.
This guy needed to find a real job.
It’s embarrassing……..
He can work on Newt Gingrich’s campaign for now and Mitt Romney’s in November. If all fails, try Bain’s Capital.
He will get a year max as US is big on their mouth, but don’t give
the maximum sentence so John Tran can come back and master
the art of bribery later !
FBI should set up to check how City of Westminster Council man
Andy Quach can drive a S500 Mercedes on the $400 dollar/month
from his city council office.
usa dummy, most city council members have 8 to 5 jobs.
How can anyone support a family with $400 salary?
NgoDinhStalin wannabe, no! he can work for mamaobamana.
USA needs political 101.
We don’t need politicians……. we need public servants.
if you are a criminal you lose the right to vote. So now criminal can re-run for office. I love the idea.
Westminster is in debt and is laying off workers while Andy Quach our beloved councilman/mobster parades Lamborghinis and bentleys down Bolsa during the Tet parade.
He must be a friend of van tran, no? Birds of one father, heheheh.
Where is van tran anyway, Kimmie?
Bo May baby, I don’t know… is joe mama still wants to be penetrated by my BIG dog?
Is joe papa too weak?
Taking bribe is to commit third degree felony and convicted violator is no longer qualified to run for public office.
He needs to look for some sales job…….. he is lacking the heart of servant hood.
Remember Tan Nguyen? Here’s the idea. The United States and Mexico have many things in common: Two beautiful countries, each has 30 million Mexicans and neither thinks Taco Bell is their food. So, why not stay the hell … where you are?
The next thing you know, The Gang of Seven (aka the Trannies) quickly ran toward John Tran for a photo op with the first Viet mayor of a predominately Chinese U.S. town. Believe me, Rosemead is a tough city. In China, corruption is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. John Tran just wanted to connect to the common Chinese. So he was trying a little too hard. Apparently, the sham mayor has developed a strong appetite for Moo Goo Guy Slam. No, it’s not a surprise that you are who your friends are. The Gang leader leads by examples. Now, the wife can share a few tips how to cop a plea. Indeed, for this new trade, only Viet can help Viet.