The office for D.C. Council member Trayon White released a statement Monday saying the Ward 8 Democrat’s staff will keep working even as the elected official deals with his bribery case in federal court.
The statement said Mr. White’s office remains “fully operational” and is “steadfast in our commitment to serving the public.”
“Our staff continues to work diligently to address the needs and concerns of our constituents, ensuring that essential services and initiatives are not disrupted,” the office’s statement read.
Mr. White, 40, was charged Monday with agreeing to take $156,000 in bribes in exchange for pressuring D.C. government employees to award grant money to his preferred companies.
He’s accused of accepting $35,000 in cash payments this summer and also taking a $20,000 bribe payment to resolve a prior contract dispute.
Prosecutors said Mr. White took gifts such as trips to the Dominican Republic and Las Vegas as well during the scheme.
The councilman was arrested near the Navy Yard neighborhood in Southeast over the weekend and spent a night in jail prior to his initial court appearance.
Mr. White could face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.
Inside the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Monday, he tapped his chest to acknowledge a group of supporters watching the proceedings. One woman wept as the hearing began.
Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey released Mr. White, ordering him to return for his court date next month.
Outside the building, the council member ducked into a waiting SUV without taking questions as supporters chanted, “Ward 8! Ward 8!”
His attorney, Frederick Cooke Jr., also declined to comment.
Mr. White first took his seat on the council in 2017. In 2018, he made controversial comments about European Jewish financiers controlling the weather and the federal government.
He has since apologized but has supported Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam.
Mr. White won a competitive Democratic primary in June.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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