Audit reveals former Orange County health care chief ignored staff concerns regarding contracts associated with Andrew Do.
A recent external audit examining contracts associated with former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has highlighted significant lapses in oversight involving key officials, including former OC Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau and former CEO Frank Kim. The findings raise serious concerns about the potential conflicts of interest related to a nonprofit that employed Do’s daughter.
The internal auditor referred Chau to the district attorney’s office for possible investigation after revealing that he dismissed staff concerns regarding contractors tied to Do. This referral, as disclosed by Supervisor Janet Nguyen, is part of the broader implications of the audit that scrutinizes contracts awarded between January 2019 and August 2025, particularly those influenced by Do. The initial findings encompass 681 contracts totaling an estimated .7 billion, with plans to extend the review to .3 billion across various county agencies.
According to the audit conducted by Weaver and Tidwell, concerns raised by staff regarding contractor affiliations with Do were frequently ignored. Internal communications indicated Chau often relied on assurances from Do that no conflicts existed, which ultimately did not alleviate the issue. Do is currently serving a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to receiving approximately 0,000 in bribes while directing over million in pandemic funds to select nonprofits, including those employing family members.
The audit uncovered troubling connections, such as Rhiannon Do’s high-paying position at Viet America Society and additional financial support totaling 0,000 for a home purchase. Although she was not charged, the audit reflects potential improprieties in fund allocation. In light of these developments, Rhiannon also worked for Warner Wellness, which received contracts amid staff concerns regarding its qualifications and conflicts of interest involving Do’s family.
Additional findings revealed alarming financial practices regarding 360 Health Plan, a testing provider implicated in double-dipping on claims to the county. Despite healthcare personnel’s doubts, Chau instructed payments to be made under the premise of fulfilling contractual obligations. The audit also scrutinized payments made to Bridgecreek Realty Investment Co., where insufficient documentation regarding expenditures called into question the legitimacy of funds allocated for small business support.
This audit marks one of several measures taken by the county to establish accountability and enhance governance systems. Supervisor Nguyen expressed that the investigations are vital in safeguarding taxpayer interests and preventing future discrepancies. As more audits unfold, county supervisors have reiterated their commitment to scrutinizing past dealings related to Andrew Do, seeking to ensure that similar mismanagement does not recur. The ongoing probe will inform future policy adjustments aimed at increasing transparency within the county’s contracting processes.
As this situation continues to develop, further updates and findings are anticipated.
