Councilmember Curren Price Faces Prosecution Amid Concerns Over Racial Bias

Preliminary hearing moves case forward, but defense cites 'cynical speculation' and lack of evidence

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Councilmember Curren Price, a Democrat, is facing criminal charges brought by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by former Republican D.A. Nathan Hochman. The case has been prosecuted by Deputy D.A. Casey Higgins, who previously ran as a Republican candidate and is known for his vocal criticism of Democrats. The defense has argued that the case is built on 'cynical speculation' and lacks clear evidence, while the judge has been accused of discounting testimony from Price's staff and using language that suggests bias.

Why it matters

This case has raised concerns about racial bias in the criminal justice system, with the prosecution being criticized for using imagery, ridicule, and racial stereotypes to frame Price as a 'mob boss' engaged in 'long, secret corruption.' The handling of the case by the judge, who previously worked as a prosecutor in the same office, has also been called into question.

The details

The charges against Councilmember Price were brought by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by D.A. Nathan Hochman, a former Republican. The case is being prosecuted in court by Deputy D.A. Casey Higgins, who previously ran as a 'lock them up' Republican candidate for California State Assembly and is known for his vocal criticism of Democrats. The defense has argued that the case is built on 'cynical speculation' and lacks clear evidence, such as emails or direct communications establishing criminal intent.

  • The preliminary hearing in the case against Councilmember Price lasted for five days last month.
  • The judge in the case, Shelly Torrealba, spent decades as a prosecutor in the same District Attorney's Office now bringing the charges against Price.

The players

Curren Price

A Democratic Councilmember facing criminal charges brought by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Nathan Hochman

The current Los Angeles County District Attorney, a former Republican.

Casey Higgins

The Deputy District Attorney prosecuting the case against Councilmember Price, who previously ran as a Republican candidate and is known for his vocal criticism of Democrats.

Shelly Torrealba

The Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge presiding over the preliminary hearing, who spent decades as a prosecutor in the same District Attorney's Office now bringing the charges against Price.

Michael Schafler

The defense attorney for Councilmember Price, who has described the case as being built on 'cynical speculation' and lacking clear evidence.

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What they’re saying

“Such a description of Price is absolutely ridiculous and blatantly racist. This is how public lynchings happen in modern form. Not with ropes, but with words.”

— Ellen Richard Bagley, Retired Los Angeles Unified School District teacher and longtime Council District 9 resident (lafocusnews.com)

“If this was a strong case, it would not need theatrics or racial stereotypes. The evidence would stand on its own merit. And if the case rests on inference and speculation, then at least the system owes the public, and the defendant, fairness before a verdict.”

— Ellen Richard Bagley, Retired Los Angeles Unified School District teacher and longtime Council District 9 resident (lafocusnews.com)

“This case has been prosecuted as much through narrative as through law. Casey Higgins used imagery. He used ridicule. He framed Councilmember Price as a Chicago-style 'mob boss,' and someone engaged in 'long, secret corruption.'”

— Ellen Richard Bagley, Retired Los Angeles Unified School District teacher and longtime Council District 9 resident (lafocusnews.com)

“The case for what many observers saw it to be: built on 'cynical speculation,' with no emails, no clear communications, and no direct evidence establishing criminal intent.”

— Michael Schafler, Defense attorney for Councilmember Price (lafocusnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Councilmember Price to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about racial bias in the criminal justice system, with the prosecution being accused of using racially charged language and tactics to frame the case against Councilmember Price. The handling of the case by the judge, who previously worked as a prosecutor in the same office, has also raised questions about institutional bias and the need for greater fairness and transparency in the judicial process.