The District of Columbia Council voted Tuesday to investigate Councilman Trayon white about federal charges of bribery and possible council rules violations.
It was the first meeting of the council since White was arrested last month by FBI agents in front of a high-rise building in the Navy Yard. He is accused of accepting a $156,000 payment in exchange for his use of his power to pressure city officials to renew several contracts worth $5.2 million for violence intervention services. White has pleaded guilty to federal charges.
The motion to investigate White was unanimously passed by the council. Both White and Kenyan R. McDuffie (chairman of the ad-hoc committee that investigated White) voted “present.”
White is the only exception to the rule that every member of the Council is on the committee.
The council will seek the assistance of Latham & Watkins in conducting its investigation. McDuffie said to NBC Washington that taxpayers will be charged $400,000.
McDuffie said that White’s allegations are “serious”, and that he may be removed from office depending on the results.
In addition to the bribery charge, the council will also try to determine whether White lived in Ward 8, as this is required for a candidate for a position of councilman within that district. The council was informed by the police that White lived in Navy Yard which is part of Ward 6
White was also removed as the chairman of the Youth Affairs Committee, which oversees the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. Phil Mendelson, D.C. Council chairman, is now transferring the oversight of the agencies that were under the youth affairs committee to the council as a whole.
By the 16th of December, it is expected that the council will be able to present its findings. White will have 30 days to prepare his defense. The council will vote to punish White. This could include his removal from office. To do this, 11 of the 13 members of the council would have to vote for it.
McDuffie said to the Washington Post that the council would remain impartial and fair in its investigation and decisions.
McDuffie stated that, “While this isn’t a court, it is still important to provide a fair, thorough, and impartial process before any adverse action, such as possible censure, or removal from office, can be taken.” “We owe the rest of the District of Columbia an independent and honest investigation before we make our recommendations.” This is a grave matter that requires a serious reaction, not just one that looks good on paper or is politically expedient.
White has not withdrawn his candidacy and remains on the D.C. Council ballot. Many members of the Democratic community are running for write-in elections.
