Washington, D.C., Councilmember Trayon White Sr., a Democrat representing Ward 8 since 2017, was arrested in connection with a $156,000 bribery scheme. The Department of Justice alleges that White used his office to pressure government employees to extend contracts in exchange for cash payments. The contracts, valued at $5.2 million, involved the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.

White allegedly received four payments totaling $156,000 from a contractor, with one transaction caught on video while the contractor was working covertly with the FBI. In the footage, White is seen accepting $35,000 in cash and discussing his role in extending the contracts. The contractor reportedly agreed to give White a 3% cut of the contracts he helped secure.

White was arrested on Sunday and released after a court appearance the following day. His next court date is set for September 19. The D.C. city council claims it was unaware of the investigation before White’s arrest. U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves emphasized the urgency of the case, citing the potential for imminent contract awards and other official actions.

White has faced previous controversies, including a $40,000 fine from the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance earlier this year for failing to provide documents related to his campaign finances. He also gained national attention in 2018 for spreading an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory involving the Rothschilds.