Dorn was elected mayor in 1997 to fill the unexpired term of Edward Vincent, who had become a member of the state Assembly.

He is a member of several professional organizations including: National Bar Association, John Langston Bar Association, 100 Black Men of America (past national vice president), 100 Black Men of Los Angeles (past president), U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Conference of Black Mayors (past president), NAACP, New Frontier Democratic Club, and Whittier Alumni Association.

A criminal complaint was filed against Dorn on June 26, 2008, alleging he obtained a low-interest $500,000 loan from a fund that was intended to help municipal employees afford to live in town and/or improve their homes.

Associated Press article in the San Francisco Chronicle, "Inglewood mayor charged in home loan scandal."

[2] The court agreed the misdemeanor is not one of intent or moral turpitude; because this is not a strict liability offense, it does not affect his ability to practice law or hold public office.