LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was indicted last week on federal charges, said Monday that he will “immediately step back” from participation in City Council meetings and committees but will not resign.
In a letter to fellow council members, Ridley-Thomas said he will fight the “outrageous allegations” and plans to resume participation on the powerful legislative body “at the earliest appropriate time.”
“I fully appreciate the importance of the council being able to conduct its business with minimal distractions,” Ridley-Thomas said in the letter, adding that he was stepping back with that in mind.
Several council members questioned last week whether Ridley-Thomas would be able to perform his duties while also responding to the 20-count indictment, which alleges that he and a former University of Southern California dean committed bribery, conspiracy and other crimes.
Councilwoman Nithya Raman called for Ridley-Thomas to step away form his committee assignments, including the powerful Homelessness and Poverty Committee, which he has been chairing. Councilman Joe Buscaino went further, arguing that Ridley-Thomas should outright resign from his office.
Council President Nury Martinez, who has the power to remove members from their committees, warned last week that the council would have to take “appropriate action.” But she had declined to specify what action that might be.
