A Los Angeles City Council member has been arrested on allegations he masterminded a $1.5 million pay-to-play scheme tied to the approval of large building projects.
Authorities say FBI agents took Councilman Jose Huizar into custody early Tuesday at his home.
Prosecutors say Huizar and his cronies, including some already charged who have agreed to plead guilty, sought to illegally profit from development of the city’s burgeoning downtown district.
Attorneys for Huizar say he intends to respond to the government’s allegations in court.
A federal judge ordered Huizar to be released on a $100,000 bond. Huizar was not asked to enter a plea.
