Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet Sentenced After Decade-Long Bribery Investigation

It’s a case that’s spanned more than a decade—and now, a chapter has officially closed.

Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet was sentenced Monday at the Banning Justice Center after pleading guilty in May to a series of felony charges stemming from a long-running corruption investigation.

Pougnet received two years’ probation and must pay $325,000 in restitution to the City of Palm Springs. The charges stem from allegations that he accepted bribes in exchange for public support of major development projects in the downtown area during his time in office.

Despite initially proclaiming his innocence, Pougnet ultimately pleaded guilty to nine counts of bribery by a public official, eight counts of holding a financial interest in public contracts, and one count of conspiracy. He also entered no contest pleas to three counts of perjury.

In court, Pougnet said the decisions he made have weighed heavily on him for the past ten years and will continue to haunt him. “There’s no excuse for it,” he admitted during sentencing.

Several former colleagues, including business owners and former Palm Springs City Council members, spoke in support of Pougnet, citing the impact he had on the city’s growth and their belief in his character beyond the charges.

Prosecutors expressed disappointment with the sentence but acknowledged the closure this brings to a portion of the case. The focus now shifts to developer Richard Meaney, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges in 2023. He is expected to be sentenced later this month.

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