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Casino Owner Charged with Bribing Mayor

"Harry Hwang, owner of L.A. Casino in Huntington Park, gave Mayor Richard Loya $5,000 in cash to send Loya and his wife on a cruise to Italy, according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

"Hwang, taped during a series of meetings by a concealed microphone worn by Loya, offered to launder campaign contributions to the mayor through tenants at a mini-mall he operates, saying he had done this for a former councilman, court records show. When he learned Loya did not plan on a lengthy political career and was considering going on a cruise, Hwang offered to pay for the vacation and give him cash, saying he had done this as well for a former councilman, according to the affidavit of Special Agent L.J. Connolly, who listened to tapes of the conversations.

"Outside the Bonaventure Hotel on Aug. 10, federal agents videotaped Hwang as he gave Loya a white envelope with $4,000 in $100 and $20 bills, court records show. Shortly afterward, Hwang handed over the other $1,000 at another meeting, according to the affidavit.

"Hwang wanted Loya's support for a proposed $66-million entertainment and retail complex in Huntington Park and his vote for the city to forgive a $40,000 debt owed by the casino.

"… Loya and Hwang met July 2 at the Pacific Dining Car, where the mayor told Hwang he could not support the development, the affidavit said. Hwang gave Loya a Cartier pen set and then offered to make him property manager for the development after he leaves the council, officials said. Eight days later, at the Greystone Cafe on Wilshire Boulevard, he made the offer to launder political contributions.

"…An unsuspecting Hwang was arrested by FBI agents at the Greystone Cafe, where he was waiting to meet with Loya…"

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