As Ninth District City Councilman Curren Price prepares for his arraignment on corruption charges, various clergy groups and community organizations, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California, Experience Christian Ministries, and South Central United, are mobilizing to express their support. The arraignment, scheduled for Monday, involves charges of theft by embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest against Price, who allegedly voted on projects linked to his wife’s consulting firm without disclosing the connections.
Pastor William Smart, President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California, emphasized Price’s innocence until proven guilty, stating, “He’s been someone for the community.” Smart and allies plan to demonstrate their support for Price at the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles.
The charges were filed last June, and Price’s arraignment has been postponed multiple times. Despite the legal challenges, Price continues to deny the allegations, with Smart asserting that Price is a “champion of the people” who deserves community backing.
The criminal complaint alleges that between 2019 and 2021, Price’s wife’s consulting firm received over $150,000 from developers, and Price subsequently voted on matters related to these companies. The councilman purportedly failed to report these connections or the payments made to his wife’s company on city disclosure forms.
The charges against Price are part of a broader trend, with several Los Angeles council members facing legal issues in recent years. District Attorney George Gascón stated, “This alleged conduct undermines the integrity of our government and erodes the public’s trust in our elected officials.”
Supporters hope for a favorable outcome for Price, while critics, including Adriana Cabrera, president of Central Alameda Neighborhood Council, have called for Price’s suspension from the City Council. The committee has yet to take action on the matter, awaiting developments from Price’s court hearing.
