Ward 8 to hold town hall meeting following Councilmember White’s bribery allegations

WASHINGTON (7News) — A town hall meeting is set for Monday night for Ward 8 residents following DC Councilmember Trayon White’s arrest in an alleged bribery scheme.

The meeting will be held at The ARC located at 1901 Mississippi Avenue Southeast from 6 pm to 10 pm

Community leaders, White supporters, and concerned residents are expected to attend to discuss how the neighborhood will move forward.

White was accused of taking cash to help steer contract renewals for DC Youth Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement — specifically related to violence intervention.

The complaint alleges that beginning in June 2024, White, who represents Ward 8 in Southeast, agreed to accept $156,000 in cash payments in exchange for using his position on the council to pressure government employees at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) for the renewal of several DC contracts.

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According to federal officials, White allegedly received four payments from an anonymous source totaling $35,000 on June 26, July 17 and 25, and August 9. Federal agents claimed that the money White received equal to 3% of the total contract value.

White oversees the council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs and has been a vocal member of the council when it comes to youth violence solutions. He also represents one of the District’s poorest wards, where many of its residents survive on below-middle income and are the most likely to see poor health and limited access to food and other resources.

White is expected to appear for a status hearing on Sept. 19.

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7News is continuing to press for answers from the mayor’s office about the involvement of these two agencies connected to the white’s case.

This story is developing. Stay with 7News for the latest updates.