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Jurors Find Man Accused of Bribing Former Palm Springs Mayor Not Guilty

The Man Accused Of Bribing Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet Was Found Not Guilty This Morning On All Charges.

That Confirmed From The District Attorney's Office From One of Their Information Specialists.

Real Estate Developer John Wessman In Now Acquitted Of Offering Pougnet Six-Figure Bribes To Support Downtown Projects.

Testimony In The Trial Started Late May At The Banning Justice Center.

Jurors Have Been Deliberating For Over A Week Now And Came To A Decision Monday Morning.

Wessman Was Initially Charged With Nine Counts Of Bribery Of A Public Official -- And One Count Of Conspiracy To Commit A Felony.

His Former Co-Defendant Steve Pougnet -- Reached A Plea Agreement Directly With The Court Last Month.

By: NBC Palm Springs

June 17, 2025

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Jurors Find Man Accused of Bribing Former Palm Springs Mayor Not Guilty