D.C. Council Member Trayon White Denies Bribery Charges, Pledges to Continue Reelection Campaign

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D.C. Council member Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8) pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that accuse him of agreeing to accept $156,000 in bribes in exchange for influencing city contracts. White, who made his plea through his attorney, Fred Cooke Jr., during a hearing at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, has vowed to continue his bid for reelection despite the serious allegations.

The federal indictment against White claims he accepted bribes in return for pressuring officials at the D.C. Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to extend contracts related to violence intervention programs. The contracts, valued at $5.2 million, were part of the city’s efforts to curb violence through mediation before it escalates.

White declined to speak to reporters outside the courthouse but later released a statement through his campaign, expressing his intent to remain in the race for a third term. "While these charges are serious, I want to assure the people of Ward 8 that my commitment to our community remains unwavering," White wrote. "We have unfinished business to attend to, and it is essential that we continue to work together to advance the initiatives that matter most to our residents."

Supporters of White, some holding signs and wearing hats with the slogan “I’m with Tray,” gathered outside the courthouse to show their support. As he made his way inside, one supporter shouted, "Show me somebody else that care about Ward 8!" to which another responded, "Nobody!" The group accompanied White throughout the hearing, where his defense team argued for more time to review the evidence presented by prosecutors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Ross revealed that White had rejected a plea deal offered on August 22 and requested that the trial begin in April. However, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras declined to set a date, instead granting the defense's request for more time to examine the case, with the next court date scheduled for November 13, after the upcoming election.

White’s attorney, Fred Cooke Jr., along with co-counsels Brian McDaniel and Lenet Brown, indicated that they were still strategizing and reviewing the government's evidence. After the hearing, Cooke refrained from commenting on the specifics of the plea offer or the nature of the evidence disclosed by prosecutors. If convicted, White could face up to 15 years in prison.

The charges have raised significant concerns among D.C. officials. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) has announced plans to remove White from his position as chairman of the Council's Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs. A resolution to dissolve the committee and redistribute its responsibilities is set to be introduced at the next council meeting, with council members Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3) and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) expected to take over the oversight roles.

In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, White is facing increased scrutiny from both the D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s administration, which has launched a review of the city’s violence-intervention contractors. The Council is conducting its own investigation into the bribery allegations and White’s residency status, with findings expected by mid-December. Depending on the outcome, the Council could move to expel White from office, a step that would require a supermajority vote.

Despite the mounting challenges, White remains defiant, urging his supporters to stand by him. “I need your support now more than ever,” he wrote in his statement. “Together, we can navigate through this difficult time and ensure that our voices are heard.”

White’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 13, just days after the election, where the legal battle will continue to unfold.