Opinion – Citizens’ Coalition for Change, Compton: Los Angeles County faces a moral and fiscal crisis. After declaring “immigration raids” an emergency to fund rent for undocumented residents, the county now plans nearly $5 billion in payouts for unverified sexual-abuse claims—many under fraud review. Has the county found a hidden treasure—or are public coffers being plundered while ordinary citizens struggle with soaring costs?

Federal prosecutors say Kenya Jones, 46, of Compton, was part of a $93M COVID-19 tax fraud ring accused of filing fake pandemic relief claims for real and bogus businesses. Jones, a recruiter in the scheme, allegedly helped bring in “clients” and later, with another suspect, tried to silence the ringleader by shooting him. Turner, the alleged mastermind, survived but was paralyzed. Jones faces fraud, firearms, and attempted murder charges.