Trayon White arrested: DC council member charged with bribery

WASHINGTON – According to the U.S. Department of Justice, DC Council Member Trayon White was arrested on Sunday on a criminal bribery charge.

Starting in June 2024, White allegedly accepted $156,000 in cash payments. In return, he used his position as a DC Council member to pressure government employees at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and DYRS to renew several DC contracts.

Phil Mendelson, chairman of the Washington DC Council, spoke to FOX 5 on Sunday and said he was unaware of any investigation into White and was awaiting more details on the charges and the location of White's arrest. “I'm eager to get more details to understand the situation,” Mendelson said. “You all know as much as I do.”

White, who has served as a council member since 2016, was expected to win a third term in November. He is a vocal advocate for public safety in District 8, a high-crime area.

READ MORE: DC Council Member Trayon White Arrested by FBI, Chairman Confirmed

Earlier this year, FOX 5 reported that White owes thousands in fines related to campaign funds. The Washington City Paper reported that the DC Office of Campaign Finance fined White and his campaign treasurer $20,000. In addition, White reportedly owes nearly $59,000 in public funds he received through DC's Fair Elections Program.

When FOX 5 asked about the $59,000 in campaign funds in March, White said he was working with his attorney and accountant to resolve the matter.

Ward 8 ANC reacts to Trayon White’s arrest

8th District Commissioner Salim Adofo has been inundated with calls and text messages from concerned citizens following the arrest of DC Council Member Trayon White. Adofo, who lost to White in the 8th District Democratic primary this year, spoke with FOX 5's Melanie Alnwick on Monday morning before the charges against White were announced.

READ MORE: DC Council Member Trayon White reportedly owes over $80,000 in campaign-related fines

“This is obviously not something that many of our residents like, especially those who are closely connected to the community and want to be informed on a daily basis,” Adofo said. “It is an unfortunate situation, but since we do not have any information, we have to wait for the facts to come to light.”

Adofo expressed uncertainty about what impact the news would have on White's political career.

READ MORE: DC Councilman White says friend took car without consent and was involved in ‘minor fender bender’