Scandal has swept the nation’s capital after the protege of D.C.’s “Mayor for Life” was arrested and charged with scamming over $156,000 this year.
In 2016, Trayon White Sr. was elected council member of Washington D.C.’s Ward 8 after D.C.’s beloved former mayor, Marion Barry, died. White, who won reelection in 2020, was known as a rising star in D.C. politics, with many even drawing comparisons between him and Barry.
But all the high hopes for White came tumbling down last month when the 40-year-old was arrested by the FBI and now faces bribery charges.
According to the criminal complaint, White allegedly “agreed to accept approximately $156,000 in undisclosed kickbacks and cash payments” beginning in June 2024. In return, he would allegedly pressure government agencies, like the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, to extend contracts across the District.
In a statement following his arrest, White’s office wrote:
“This matter is in the hands of the appropriate legal authorities, who will oversee the necessary proceedings...
“...We recognize the seriousness of this matter. We want to assure Ward 8 residents and stakeholders that our office remains fully operational and steadfast in our commitment to serving the public. Our staff continues to work diligently to address the needs of our constituents, ensuring that essential services and initiatives are not disrupted.”
White has represented D.C.’s Ward 8 since 2017, according to the Council of the District of Columbia’s website. Although this is his first run-in with the law, White is no stranger to controversy.
In March 2024, White was exposed for owing over $80,000 in campaign related fines, per Fox 5. Before then, $59,000 allegedly went “missing” during White’s unsuccessful run for mayor in 2022.
According to Fox 5, White’s campaign has file several amended reports with D.C.’s Office of Campaign Finance since 2020. During a civil filing, White claimed to be unaware of these ongoing discrepancies within his own campaign.
White has not entered a plea regarding these most recent charges. According to NBC News, he is expected to appear in court again on Sept. 19. If convicted, White could face up to 15 years behind bars.