In a shocking development from the nation's capital, Trayon White Sr, a Democratic councilmember from Washington DC, has been apprehended on allegations of accepting bribes amounting to $150,000.
The 40-year-old, who had previously made an unsuccessful bid for the mayoral office in 2022, is now facing accusations of exploiting his elected position to favor companies with city contracts.
According to the Daily Mail, White was taken into custody by the FBI on a federal bribery charge. The arrest took place on Sunday, and the councilmember made a brief court appearance on Monday. White has a controversial past, with a reputation for endorsing antisemitic conspiracy theories.
The affidavit of an FBI agent reveals that White had agreed in June to accept approximately $156,000 in kickbacks and cash payments. In return, he allegedly exerted pressure on government agency employees to extend the contracts of two companies providing violence intervention services. These contracts were valued at over $5 million.
The affidavit further alleges that White accepted a $20,000 bribe to resolve a contract dispute for one of the companies by pressuring high-ranking district officials. An FBI informant, who has agreed to plead guilty to fraud and bribery charges, reportedly gave White gifts, including trips to the Dominican Republic and Las Vegas, in addition to the bribes.
White, who has been serving on the D.C. council since 2017, represents a predominantly Black ward where the poverty rate is nearly double the district's average. He is set to run for re-election in November against a Republican opponent.
The councilmember has also been in the spotlight for his controversial remarks in March 2018. He posted a video on his Facebook page attributing an unexpected snowfall to 'the Rothschilds controlling the climate to create natural disasters.' This statement sparked outrage among fellow council members and Jewish community leaders, who accused White of propagating an antisemitic conspiracy theory about Jewish control of global events.
The Rothschilds, a notable Jewish family with a banking dynasty dating back to the 18th century, are often the subject of global conspiracy theories. White later apologized for his comments, expressing surprise that some interpreted his remarks as antisemitic. He stated, 'The video says what it says.'
In an attempt to mend fences with the Jewish community, White visited the Holocaust museum. However, this visit ended disastrously when he began defending Nazis during the guided tour. When viewing a photograph of a woman surrounded by Nazi soldiers, White asked, 'Are they protecting her?' The guide clarified, 'They're marching her through,' to which White responded, 'Marching through is protecting.'
Adding to the controversy, White left the museum early, citing a meeting. However, he was later seen wandering aimlessly outside the museum.
The allegations against White underscore the need for transparency and integrity in public office. As the legal proceedings unfold, the citizens of Washington DC will be watching closely, hoping for justice to be served.
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