LA Focus: Ninth Circuit Upholds Mark Ridley-Thomas Conviction; Supporters Vow to Stand With Former Supervisor
Lisa Collins | August 3, 2026
A federal appeals court has upheld the corruption convictions of former Los Angeles City Councilmember and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, closing another chapter in the high-profile case while leaving open the possibility of additional legal review.
A federal appeals court has upheld the corruption convictions of former Los Angeles City Councilmember and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, closing another chapter in the high-profile case while leaving open the possibility of additional legal review.
In a decision issued Monday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed Ridley-Thomas’ convictions, rejecting arguments raised by his legal team challenging both the trial and the evidence presented against him. The court concluded that the district court had not committed reversible error and allowed the convictions and sentence to stand.
Ridley-Thomas was convicted in 2023 on federal corruption charges stemming from his relationship with the University of Southern California while serving on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Federal prosecutors argued that benefits provided to his son were tied to official actions taken by Ridley-Thomas, while the defense maintained that the government mischaracterized legitimate public policy efforts and failed to prove criminal intent.
Monday’s ruling means the former supervisor’s conviction remains intact unless the full Ninth Circuit agrees to rehear the case en banc or the U.S. Supreme Court decides to review it. Such reviews are discretionary and granted in only a small percentage of cases.
While the ruling represents a significant legal setback, Ridley-Thomas’ legal team indicated that the fight is not over.
“While we are disappointed in today’s opinion, we are evaluating all options for en banc review,” said attorney Alyssa Bell, a member of Ridley-Thomas’ legal team.
For many throughout South Los Angeles, however, the legal decision does little to diminish Ridley-Thomas’s decades-long record of public service. Community leaders, elected officials and members of the faith community continue to express unwavering support for the veteran public servant, pointing to his work expanding healthcare access, strengthening education, advancing economic development, promoting criminal justice reform and revitalizing underserved neighborhoods.
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove called the decision especially troubling in light of broader concerns about accountability and equal treatment under the law.
“Mark Ridley-Thomas is part of the legacy of the city of Los Angeles, and his work and commitment to the city, the county and Black Los Angeles have meant so much,” she said. “At a time when we are battling true existential threats to our safety and security, our right to vote, our history and our humanity, it seems gratuitous and personal to go after him in this manner.
“Look at the deals Trump has made with other countries that have benefited himself, his children, his sons and his son-in-law. Where is the same kind of investigation? Where is the same kind of prosecution? Where is the same kind of outrage from the bench?”
Faith leaders likewise emphasized Ridley-Thomas’ legacy of service rather than the court’s decision.
Pastor K.W. Tulloss said support within the community remains unwavering.
“Many people throughout our community remain steadfast in their support of Mark Ridley-Thomas as he considers his next steps. Throughout his career, he has been a faithful public servant whose commitment, passion and love for this community have never been in question. Our faith community stands with him, and our organization will continue to support him as he moves forward. We believe his decades of service and dedication to the people he has represented speak for themselves.”
Pastor Norman Johnson expressed both disappointment with the ruling and hope that additional legal options remain available.
“I am deeply disappointed by the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision. My thoughts are with Mark Ridley-Thomas and his family during this difficult time. We are all trying to understand what comes next and whether there are any additional legal avenues available.
“Mark’s response was simply that this is a process. My response is that this is an incredibly disappointing and painful outcome—certainly the worst possible one we could have hoped for.”
Pastor Geremy Dixon also reflected on Ridley-Thomas’ impact as a leader.
“I am immensely saddened by the news that Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’s appeal has been denied. My prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. His life, resilience and leadership continue to be an inspiration to me.”
William Smart, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), said the organization remains committed to standing with Ridley-Thomas.
“This is a very disheartening day that one of our champions has been treated this way by the Justice Department. We pray now that as we move forward, victory will be his, and that in any capacity possible, we will work with him as he continues to advance an agenda that has always been positive for the people of Los Angeles County.”
Ridley-Thomas served in public office for more than three decades, including terms on the Los Angeles City Council, the California State Assembly, the California State Senate and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors before returning to the City Council in 2020.
Although Monday’s decision marks another difficult chapter in his legal battle, supporters across Los Angeles say it does not diminish what they view as a lifetime of dedicated public service. As his legal team weighs its next steps, many in the community say they will continue standing with Ridley-Thomas while hoping the case has not yet reached its final chapter.