Casino Owner Is Arrested in Bribe Sting

The owner of a Huntington Park casino was arrested after he allegedly offered a bribe the city’s mayor, who was working undercover for the FBI, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Harry Hwang, 49, of Los Angeles was arrested after he allegedly paid $5,000 to send Mayor Richard Loya and his wife on a cruise to Italy. Hwang also offered to pay Loya’s campaign debt and provide him political contributions, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Daniel Shallman.

Loya contacted the FBI in June and reported Hwang’s bribe attempts, according to a criminal complaint.

Hwang hoped to put together a $60-million mixed-use development project in Huntington Park and wanted the city to forgive a $40,000 debt owed by his business, the L.A. Casino. Loya told the FBI that Hwang tried to bribe him in order to secure his support, according to the complaint.

Hwang is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing Monday. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of paying a bribe to a public official.

Loya and Hwang met several times during the last three months. Loya tape-recorded the meetings at the direction of the FBI, according to the complaint.

“By contacting the FBI, Mayor Loya allowed a proper investigation to be conducted, thus providing a level playing field for other competitors,” said FBI spokesman Ron Iden. “This case serves as an example of a public official doing exactly the right thing when it appeared Mr. Hwang was trying to illegally influence him.”