LA Councilmember Curren Price Faces Trial in Felony Corruption Case

Judge rules public corruption charges against Price will proceed to trial.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled that the felony public corruption case against sitting Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price will proceed to trial. Price has been charged with 12 counts, including embezzlement of government funds, conflict of interest, and perjury, related to allegations that he used his position to enrich himself and his wife at the expense of his constituents.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about public corruption and conflicts of interest among elected officials in Los Angeles. As a sitting city councilmember, Price is accused of repeatedly abusing his power for personal financial gain, which undermines public trust in local government.

The details

According to prosecutors, Price allegedly voted on projects where his wife's company received over $950,000 in payments from developers, the Housing Authority, and LA Metro. Price is also accused of embezzling $33,800 in city funds to pay for his wife's medical benefits, and using his position to award city leases and COVID-19 grants to organizations where he served in a leadership role.

  • In 2023, Curren Price was charged with 12 felony counts.
  • In August 2025, an amended complaint was filed alleging two additional felony counts of conflict of interest.
  • On February 19, 2026, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled that the case against Price will proceed to trial.

The players

Curren Price

A Los Angeles City Councilmember since 2013 who is facing a felony public corruption trial.

Nathan J. Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who is prosecuting the case against Price.

Delbra Pettice Richardson

Price's current wife, whose company allegedly received over $950,000 in payments from entities that Price voted to award contracts to.

Lynn Suzette Price

Price's former wife, whom he allegedly falsely claimed as his wife to embezzle city funds for her medical benefits.

Shelly Torrealba

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who ruled that the case against Price will proceed to trial.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a significant step toward holding L.A. Councilmember Curren Price accountable for years of alleged corruption.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“The rules are clear: elected officials cannot enrich themselves at the expense of their constituents, cannot lie on disclosure forms, and cannot vote on matters in which they have a conflict of interest.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

What’s next

Arraignment on the Information is set for March 13 in Department 106 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of holding elected officials accountable for abuses of power and conflicts of interest, and the importance of robust ethics laws and enforcement to maintain public trust in local government.