Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan has been found guilty on all counts in a massive corruption case that involved real estate developers and their influence at City Hall. A federal jury in Los Angeles deliberated for only a matter of hours before reaching a verdict, finding Chan guilty on 12 counts of racketeering, bribery, fraud, and giving false statements.

According to The Los Angeles Times, sentencing for Chan is scheduled for June 10. Prosecutors portrayed Chan as a central figure in a pay-to-play scheme, along with former L.A. City Councilmember Jose Huizar, who had pleaded guilty in 2023 to racketeering and tax evasion charges. The scheme involved using their power and influence to advance lucrative deals for foreign developers between 2013 and 2018, in exchange for favors and financial gain.

During the trial, evidence was presented that Chan had helped set up a company which was later hired by a downtown L.A. high-rise developer while he was still employed by the city. He allegedly exerted pressure on city officials to support the project and received payment from the developer after leaving city employment.

Chan's lawyers have stated their intention to appeal the verdict. The trial itself had faced a delay of nearly a year due to the illness of Chan's lawyer in April, which resulted in a mistrial being declared by the judge.

With this verdict, it is evident that the authorities in Los Angeles are cracking down on corruption and holding high-ranking officials accountable for their actions. The case serves as a reminder that public servants are expected to act in the best interest of the community, rather than for personal gain or to benefit select individuals.

The sentencing of Raymond Chan on June 10 will mark an important moment in the fight against corruption in Los Angeles and may bring some closure to the city's residents, as they seek a fair and transparent governance system that works in their favor.