Petition Calling for the Removal & Resignation of Councilmember John Lee
Sign Petition here: https://www.mobilize.us/trnindivisible/event/899304/
Following a two-year investigation by an independent administrative law judge, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission found Councilmember John Lee guilty of 10 city ethics law violations, including:
Two counts of accepting excess gifts
Three counts of failing to disclose gifts
One count of aiding and abetting the misuse of position
These violations stem from illegal gifts received by Lee in Los Angeles and on a lavish Las Vegas trip, including gambling chips, luxury hotel accommodations, high-end meals, and a $34,000 bottle service in an exclusive nightclub. This is the same Vegas trip that resulted in Lee’s boss, former Councilmember Mitch Englander, being sentenced to federal prison. That same FBI investigation identified “Staffer B”, a high level staff member, as being on that trip.
The Ethics Commission determined Lee’s actions were a serious breach of public trust. Commission President Manjusha Kulkarni moved for the maximum $138,000 fine—placing Lee in the top 10 highest administrative penalties—stating that Lee personally benefited by concealing gifts in order to advance his election and enrich himself. She noted that by hiding an active FBI investigation from voters during very close elections, Lee denied the community critical transparency.
The administrative law judge found Lee’s testimony “evasive, uncorroborated, concluding that John Lee was not credible.
Council District 12 deserves an honest, accountable, and ethical representative. The city of Los Angeles needs a member on the city council that is not compromised by ethical violations.
Therefore, we, the undersigned concerned community members, call on the Los Angeles City Council President to remove Councilmember John Lee from all committees, and for John Lee to resign immediately. We also urge elected officials, community leaders, and residents across Los Angeles to join us in demanding long overdue accountability.
Sign Petition Here: https://www.mobilize.us/trnindivisible/event/899304/