On Friday, a former member of the Planning Commission for the City of Westminster was found guilty of soliciting and accepting a $15,000 bribe to help another individual acquire a liquor license. 43-year-old Dave Vo of Westminster was found guilty of a single count of bribery in a program receiving federal funds.
The man, who is an attorney, served as a Planning Commissioner in Westminster from early 2009 to early 2013. During his time with the commission, Vo had influence over the issuance of certain permits. In 2011, it was alleged that Vo had solicited a $15,000 bribe from a confidential informant.
The informant notified the FBI that Vo had solicited the bribe in connection with a liquor license. During August of 2011, Vo received cash payments totaling $15,000 over the course of four meetings. In return, Vo helped push the liquor license through the approval process.
During Vo’s three-day trial, jury heard audio recordings of Vo soliciting the bribe. Video recordings of the payments being made were also played. The bribery charge comes with a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
Vo is currently free on bond. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8.