Former Anaheim, CA Mayor Harry Sidhu Sentenced To Prison
Photo: MLB (Left), City of Anaheim (Right)
India-West News Desk
SANTA ANA, CA – Former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu has been sentenced to two months in prison for obstructing a federal investigation into the controversial sale of Angel Stadium.
U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb handed down the sentence on March 28 at the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse in Santa Ana, citing Sidhu’s breach of public trust. Along with his prison term, Sidhu must pay a $50,000 fine and serve one year of supervised release.
Sidhu, 67, showed little reaction as the sentence was read, while his family members and supporters sat behind him in the courtroom.
He must surrender to authorities on September 2.
His attorneys had sought no prison time, instead proposing three years of probation and a $40,000 fine but had not opposed the federal Probation Office’s recommendation of a $175,000 fine and 400 hours of community service.
“I do believe the defendant did betray the city of Anaheim while serving as mayor,” Judge Holcomb stated in court. “There are consequences to those actions. That breach of trust warrants a term of incarceration.”
While the judge acknowledged Sidhu’s cooperation with federal investigators and his resignation from office, he emphasized the need for jail time. “It is significant for anybody to be incarcerated for any length of time, and this is what is warranted,” Holcomb said.
Federal prosecutors accused Sidhu of leaking confidential city information to an Angels consultant while negotiating the stadium sale, deleting related emails, and lying to the FBI. Prosecutors further alleged that Sidhu sought a $1 million campaign contribution from the Angels in exchange for favorable terms on the deal, though he was never formally charged with bribery.
In 2023, Sidhu pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and making false statements to both the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration after he was caught on tape in a undercover sting operation.
The wire fraud charge stemmed from his attempt to evade California sales tax on a $205,000 helicopter by using an Arizona mailing address.
In a letter to the court before sentencing, Sidhu expressed remorse. “I am ashamed and deeply regretful for the actions that have brought me here. … I take full responsibility for my choices and want to express my heartfelt apology.” Addressing the court before his sentence was finalized, he reiterated, “All I want to say, your honor, is I am ashamed, and I put my whole heart into the letter.”
His attorney, Paul Meyer, after the sentencing said in a statement, “Harry has expressed his apology for his actions of email deletion, misstatements to the FBI, and helicopter tax violations. He appreciates the broad outreach of support from those who know him well and respect his decades of public service.”
Sidhu, an immigrant from India, built a business empire of fast-food franchises across Southern California before entering politics. A Republican who was Donald Trump supporter, during his tenure as mayor from 2018 to 2022, he was known for his flamboyant style and his signature white shoes and for hosting elaborate parties at his residence, dubbed the “Sidhu Casa,” where Indian politicians and ambassadors to Washington were frequent guests.
