The younger Ridley-Thomas abruptly resigned from the California Assembly in December 2017 amid a sexual harassment investigation, purportedly because of health issues. “Flynn’s assistance with the $100,000 cash transfer through USC for Sebastian’s benefit was an impermissible string attached to Ridley-Thomas’ support of the Telehealth amendment.” At the November 2024 hearing on Ridley-Thomas’ appeal, the Ninth Circuit panel pushed back against the Justice Department’s honest services fraud and bribery theory. “We have said in some of the cases that there has to be both financial and subjective value,” Johnstone noted. “While we are disappointed in today’s opinion, we are evaluating all options for en banc review,” said Alyssa Bell, one of Ridley-Thomas’ attorneys.