Obama’s “Great Friend” Just Got Indicted – California Democrat Is Facing 3 Major Charges
Sometimes, politics and corruption unfortunately go hand-in-hand. In 2021 alone, we’ve heard of several arrests and indictments involving political leaders across the country.
This includes several high-ranking Democrat officials, and Republicans will quickly pounce on these reports to illustrate the corruption in the leftist party.
The latest news will only add more fuel to the fire — especially as it relates to former President Barack Obama.
Though most Americans may not be familiar with him, Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas has been a prominent political fixture in California for decades.
In fact, he’s widely regarded as one of the most powerful Democrats in the state, which is why his indictment is even more damaging to the Blue party.
These charges are serious, too, so it’s unlikely that Ridley-Thomas will get away with a slap on the wrist. Federal corruption charges typically hold some nasty punishments, as we’ve seen in the past.
This one includes fraud and bribery, and the hammer of justice is about to fall.
Via The Daily Wire:
LA City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas … was indicted on Wednesday on federal corruption charges accusing him of conspiring with a USC dean, mail and wire fraud, and taking bribes that benefited himself and his son, Sebastian, a former Democratic Assemblyman in the state Legislature.
BREAKING: The 35-pg, 20-count Federal Grand Jury Indictment against Mark Ridley-Thomas and University of Southern California School of Social Work Dean Marilyn Louise Flynn alleges Conspiracy, Bribery Concerning Programs, Receiving Federal Funds and Honest Services & Mail Fraud pic.twitter.com/ux1D0TF5af
— Andrew Blankstein (@anblanx) October 14, 2021
The 35-page indictment outlines 20 counts, and that includes an accusation of funneling his campaign funds through a university to a nonprofit, “operated by a family member.”
This in turn would allow a relative of Ridley-Thomas’ to receive “graduate school admission, a full-tuition scholarship, and a paid professorship.”
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, apparently. According to the ABC News, U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison said:
The corrupt activities alleged in the indictment were facilitated by a major university’s high-ranking administrator whose desire for funding apparently trumped notions of integrity and fair play.
Public corruption cases are among the most important matters we pursue, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute whenever public officials and others entrusted with taxpayer funds break the law.
The indictment says these crimes occurred between 2017 and 2018 and as it turns out, Ridley-Thomas is actually the third council member to face corruption charges in just the last two years.
L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who often battled with Ridley-Thomas and other county supervisors, said these allegations are proof that a “Public Corruption Unit” must exist:
This is why a Public Corruption Unit must exist outside of the influence of the @LACountyBOS. https://t.co/yd7z9dYfLW
— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) October 14, 2021
This is especially interesting because former President Barack Obama called Ridley-Thomas his “great friend” during a campaign rally in 2008.
That might be a statement he wants to take back now.
Corruption charges like these can haunt a politician for the rest of his career. And if he’s found guilty, they can end that career.
Taxpayers certainly deserve better than these politicians who flout the law, and use their power and influence for personal gain. That’s why we have laws to stop this from happening.
Key Takeaways:
- Top Democrat Mark Ridley-Thomas was indicted on multiple corruption charges.
- This includes mail and wire fraud, as well as bribery.
- Former President Barack Obama called Ridley-Thomas his “great friend” in 2008.
Source: The Daily Wire
