LA City Councilman Ordered to Stand Trial in Corruption Case

Curren Price faces charges of embezzlement, conflict of interest, and perjury

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Following a multi-day hearing, Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on a series of public corruption charges, including five counts of grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, four counts of conflict of interest, and three counts of perjury by declaration. Price has maintained his innocence, but the judge found 'sufficient cause' for the case to proceed to trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of public corruption and abuse of power among elected officials in Los Angeles, following high-profile scandals involving other city council members in recent years. It raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the public's trust in local government.

The details

Price is accused of failing to list money that a company solely owned by his wife received from some developers, and not recusing himself from voting to approve certain projects. He is also accused of embezzling nearly $33,800 in city funds from 2013-17 to pay for medical benefits for his wife, whom he allegedly falsely claimed was his wife while he was still legally married to another woman.

  • On December 2023, Price pleaded not guilty to the initial 10 charges.
  • In August 2024, prosecutors added two additional counts of conflict of interest.
  • On January 28, 2026, the judge ordered Price to stand trial on the charges.

The players

Curren Price

A Los Angeles City Councilman who has represented the South Los Angeles/Exposition Park district since 2013 after previously serving in the Assembly and state Senate.

Delbra Pettice Richardson

Price's wife, who allegedly received money from some developers that Price failed to list.

Lynn Suzette Price

Price's legal wife, whom he allegedly falsely claimed was his wife while receiving medical benefits for another woman.

Michael Schafler

Price's defense attorney, who argued that 'no evidence' showed Price acted with 'wrongful intent'.

Casey Higgins

The deputy district attorney, who argued that Price was 'trying to create this wall around himself' and blamed 'everyone' but himself.

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What they’re saying

“The testimony presented during the hearing, including from key witnesses, clearly shows that Councilman Price did not act with any intent to do wrong and that the case rests on speculation rather than facts.”

— Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, Executive director of communications for Curren Price (mynewsla.com)

“Public officials will not violate the public trust on my watch.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (mynewsla.com)

What’s next

Price is scheduled to be arraigned on March 13 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of public corruption and the need for greater transparency and accountability among elected officials in Los Angeles. It serves as a reminder that the public's trust in local government must be earned through ethical and responsible leadership.