Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez Indicted on Nine Criminal Counts

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez was indicted by a Riverside County grand jury on nine criminal counts related to conflicts of interest and perjury, District Attorney Mike Hestrin announced Thursday.

Steven Andrew Hernandez, 42, faces one felony count of violating Government Code section 1090 (conflict of interest relating to government contracts), four felony counts of perjury under Penal Code section 118, and four misdemeanor counts of violating Government Code section 87100 (conflicts of interest relating to governmental decisions).

The Allegations

The conflict-of-interest charges stem from Hernandez's vote to approve a contract between the City of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments' Housing First Program. Additional charges relate to his votes and advocacy concerning downtown Coachella development projects.

The perjury charges are based on claims Hernandez allegedly made on his Form 700 disclosure forms, the Statement of Economic Interests that California public officials must file.

Arrest and Arraignment

Hernandez surrendered to Riverside County Sheriff officials at the Robert Presley Detention Center on October 28 and posted $112,500 bail. The grand jury indictment remained sealed until his arraignment Thursday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Political Career and Fallout

Hernandez has served as Mayor of Coachella since 2012 and has been active in city politics for nearly two decades. He also serves as Chief of Staff to Riverside County District 4 Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and has been placed on indefinite administrative leave from that position.

Supervisor Perez's office stated the charges are believed to be "unrelated to his role in our office." The City of Coachella confirmed it is "aware of the allegations against Mayor Hernandez and is fully cooperating with law enforcement." There is no indication Hernandez intends to resign from his mayoral position.

Potential Consequences

If convicted on all charges, Hernandez faces more than seven years in state prison and would be permanently barred from holding public office in California.

A trial readiness conference is scheduled for February 23.