POLITICS

Former California councilman's corruption unmasked after FBI finds cash buried in backyard

PUBLISHED Aug 30, 2026, 1:01 AM ET

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Former California councilmen Ricardo Pacheco and Isaac Jacob Galvan received eighteen-month federal prison sentences following convictions in a sweeping municipal corruption probe. Federal prosecutors revealed that Pacheco accepted bribes tied to a police union contract and commercial marijuana permits, admitting he buried nearly sixty-three thousand dollars in cash within his backyard. The Department of Justice stated that Pacheco and Galvan executed corrupt acts while holding elected office, utilizing political action committees, religious organizations, and third-party checks to obscure illicit payments. The investigation originated when an undercover police officer supplied evidence of a pay-to-play scheme involving municipal contracts in Baldwin Park. Subsequent cooperation from Pacheco expanded the federal inquiry, resulting in multiple indictments across local Southern California governments. Both former officials were ordered to pay significant financial restitution and fines as the federal judiciary finalized judgments on the widespread public corruption ring.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2018-01 — On January 2018, Ricardo Pacheco solicited bribes supporting police association contract.
2018-03 — On March 2018, Pacheco voted favoring municipal police union contract deal.
2018-06 — On June 2018, Pacheco voted approving commercial marijuana operating permits.
2018-10 — On October 2018, Undercover officer delivered cash bribe inside coffee shop.
2020 — On 2020, Ricardo Pacheco resigned following federal plea agreement.
2025-07 — On July 2025, Business owner Yichang Bai received federal prison sentence.
On Friday, Court sentenced Ricardo Pacheco to federal prison term.
On Friday, Court sentenced Isaac Jacob Galvan to federal prison term.
On Future, Courts will schedule restitution hearings for convicted defendants.
On Future, Municipalities will enforce tighter ethics and compliance monitoring.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Federal authorities reinforced strict oversight against municipal bribery schemes nationwide.
Possible long-term US impact: Anti-corruption measures will deter local politicians from accepting illegal payoffs.
Most affected groups: Municipal governments, public officials, local law enforcement, and regional businesses.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize verified Department of Justice and court records.