José Huizar
José Luis Huizar (born September 10, 1968) is a Mexican-American former politician and convicted felon who served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council from 2005 to 2020.
José Huizar | |
|---|---|
Huizar in 2013 | |
| Member of the Los Angeles City Council from the 14th district | |
| In office December 1, 2005 – October 15, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Antonio Villaraigosa |
| Succeeded by | Kevin de León |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 10, 1968 Zacatecas, Mexico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Richelle Ríos |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence(s) | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley (BA) University of California, Los Angeles (JD) Princeton University (MPP) |
| Criminal information | |
| Criminal status |
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| Conviction(s) | 13 years in federal prison |
| Criminal charge | 2 felony counts of racketeering and tax evasion |
Huizar was elected on November 8, 2005, in a special election to fill the seat vacated by the then-mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. He was re-elected to a full four-year term in 2007 and again in 2011. In 2015, he was re-elected but to an extended term due to new city laws.
Huizar was arrested and indicted on June 23, 2020, on federal corruption charges, leading to his suspension from council. In 2023 he pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering and tax evasion. On Jan 26, 2024 he was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Huizar was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $443,905 in restitution to the City of Los Angeles and $38,792 in restitution to the IRS.