Councilman Trayon White Sr. Arrested on Federal Bribery Charges in D.C. Scandal

Scandal has rocked Washington D.C. as Trayon White Sr., the protege of the city’s beloved former mayor Marion Barry, was arrested and charged with scamming over $156,000 this year. White, who was elected council member of Ward 8 in 2016 and won reelection in 2020, was seen as a rising star in D.C. politics, drawing comparisons to Barry himself.

The 40-year-old council member allegedly accepted kickbacks and cash payments in exchange for pressuring government agencies to extend contracts across the District. The FBI arrested White on Sunday, and he now faces bribery charges that could result in up to 15 years behind bars if convicted.

This is not White’s first brush with controversy regarding money. In March 2024, he was exposed for owing over $80,000 in campaign-related fines, and $59,000 reportedly went missing during his failed mayoral run in 2022. White’s campaign has filed several amended reports with D.C.’s Office of Campaign Finance since 2020, with White claiming to be unaware of the discrepancies.

Despite the legal troubles, White’s office remains operational and committed to serving the public. Ward 8 residents and stakeholders have been assured that essential services and initiatives will continue without disruption. White is expected to appear in court again on Sept. 19 to address the charges against him. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the nation’s capital, tarnishing the reputation of a once-promising political figure.