Washington, D.C., Councilman Trayon White Sr. has been charged with bribery, according to court documents released on August 19.
Federal authorities arrested White on Sunday.
According to an FBI affidavit, White allegedly agreed to accept $156,000 in cash in exchange for using his position on the Washington, D.C., City Council to pressure government officials into extending $5 million worth of contracts.
According to the affidavit, White received $35,000 in cash on four separate occasions, including most recently on August 9, from the owner of the companies awarded the contracts.
City code prohibits public officials from accepting gifts from individuals or entities that have, or are seeking to obtain, contracts or other business with the Washington, D.C., government.
According to charging documents, White and the owner met on June 26 to discuss a scheme where the owner would pay White to find out if contracts for the owner’s companies with the District of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement would be extended. At the meeting, White accepted $15,000 and said he would speak with a specific government employee about the contracts’ status.
About three weeks later, White and the owner met again, during which White provided updates on the