A shocking court affidavit sworn by an FBI Special Agent has revealed that Trayon White, Sr., a former Democrat D.C. Councilman, accepted more than $150,000 in bribes and kickbacks as part of a scheme that White used to influence city contracting decisions and could face significant prison time as a result, having already been expelled from his City Council seat.
For context, the 73-page affidavit accuses White of using his political influence to pressure other government officials into hiring certain contracted companies. According to the affidavit, the owner of these companies, referred to simply as CHS (Confidential Human Source) 1, was an FBI source who agreed to cooperate with authorities as part of a plea deal.
The affidavit presents key evidence against White and alleges that the D.C. official, a known leftist who was the chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, had “agreed to accept and accepted items of value in return for being influenced in the performance of official acts.”
In addition, CHS 1’s testimony confirms that White began his bribery scheme in June 2024, starting with four separate cash payments that totaled about $35,000. These payments were recorded covertly by CHS 1, who worked in tandem with the FBI as part of an official investigation of White’s behavior.
The affidavit goes on to reveal that on June 26, 2024, White was handed an envelope containing $15,000 in cash, detailing his reluctant response: “What you need me to do, man?” he asked before taking the envelope and putting it in his jacket. White continued, “I don’t wanna feel like you gotta gimme something to get something. We better than that.”
Additionally, CH1’s testimony confirmed that they had an agreement with White that would guarantee White 3% kickbacks on multiple government contracts won by CHS 1’s companies. This was verified in a meeting that took place on July 17, in which White was presented with a ledger by CHS 1 that recorded payments and responded, “We good (sic). We can worry about the money later. The issue is, stay on mission.”
The affidavit also presents even more examples of White’s illegal behavior, including instances of pressuring employees at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), with White using his influence to make sure that CHS 1’s businesses won contracts from these offices.
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These charges were brought against White based on violations of 18 U.S.C. § 201(b)(2), which forbids public officials from accepting anything of value in exchange for use of their influence. However, according to AP News, White’s trial is not set to begin until January 2026, which ironically means that the corrupt politician is free to enter the special election that will be held to find his replacement. White pled not guilty during a federal court appearance and refused to take a plea deal.
Watch coverage of White’s arrest and court appearance:
Featured image credit: Screenshot from embedded video