Compton Councilmember Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Tax Evasion in Marijuana Permit Scandal

A former city councilmember in Compton, California, has admitted to bribing a Baldwin Park official in exchange for marijuana cultivation permits, a move that has rattled local officials and the federal justice system.

Bribery Scheme Unveiled

Isaac Galvan, 38, faced federal criminal charges after prosecutors said he facilitated $70,000 in bribes to former Baldwin Park City Councilman Ricardo Pacheco. Pacheco began soliciting bribes in June 2017 in exchange for marijuana cultivation, manufacture and distribution permits within the city limits. The indictment details Galvan’s first payment of $10,000 in August 2017 to secure Pacheco’s support for a consulting client’s permit.

Galvan’s Role and Consulting Services

While serving on the Compton city council, Galvan also provided consulting services to W&F International Corp., a Diamond Bar‑based import‑export business. He secured the marijuana permit for the company in exchange for $70,000. After receiving the bribe, Pacheco voted to grant W&F International Corp. a permit in June and July 2018, according to the Justice Department.

W&F International Corp. and Yichang Bai

Yichang Bai, the owner and operator of W&F, pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging he helped orchestrate the bribery scheme. Bai is scheduled to go to trial in February 2026. Federal prosecutors allege that Galvan and Bai tried to cover up illegal payments to Pacheco.

Pacheco’s Prior Conviction and Cooperation

Pacheco pleaded guilty in June 2020 to a federal bribery charge unrelated to the marijuana‑permit scheme and agreed to cooperate in the government’s public corruption probe. He is expected to be sentenced in March. His cooperation has been cited as a factor in the ongoing investigation.

Galvan’s Tax Evasion Admission

In addition to pleading guilty to one count of bribery, Galvan also pleaded guilty to one count of evasion of tax assessment. He admitted that he failed to file federal tax returns between 2017 and 2020. In one tax evasion case, Galvan tried to conceal ownership of a shell company used to solicit bribes from public officials.

Unreported Income and Government Loss

The federal government assessed that Galvan failed to report over $560,000 in income tax, causing a loss of $115,816 to the U.S. government. The shell company was used to pay bribes, further obscuring the financial trail. This unreported income underscores the extent of Galvan’s illicit financial activity.

Bond Status and Sentencing Schedule

Galvan remained free on a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2026. The sentencing date reflects the seriousness of the charges and the need for a thorough judicial process.

Election Conspiracy Allegations

After the bribery scheme, Galvan was accused of conspiring to rig the outcome of the Compton City Council District 2 election in June 2021. Prosecutors alleged that he and others arranged for people who did not live within the Compton district to register and vote illegally. Although Galvan was declared the winner by a single vote against opponent Andre Spicer, a judge overturned the result.

Judge’s Ruling on Illegal Votes

The judge determined that four votes cast for Galvan were illegal, nullifying his narrow victory. This ruling highlighted the potential impact of the alleged election conspiracy on local governance. It also reinforced the legal scrutiny surrounding Galvan’s actions.

Key Takeaways

• Isaac Galvan pleaded guilty to bribery and tax evasion after orchestrating a $70,000 bribe for Baldwin Park marijuana permits.
• Yichang Bai of W&F International Corp. pleaded not guilty and faces trial in February 2026.
• Galvan’s unreported income of $560,000 resulted in a $115,816 loss to the U.S. government, and he is set to be sentenced on June 8, 2026.

The case illustrates how local corruption can intersect with federal criminal law, prompting investigations that span multiple jurisdictions and involve significant financial penalties. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent electoral practices and rigorous enforcement of tax obligations.