New Details Emerge in Felony Case Against Coachella Mayor Stephen Hernandez Over Alleged Misuse of Office

New details are emerging in the felony case against Coachella City Mayor Steven Hernandez, who is accused of using his public office for personal gain. Prosecutors allege Hernandez failed to disclose income from a property he owns in Coachella and entered into a contract with a local organization tied to his own financial interests. According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, the indictment—unsealed earlier this week—lists multiple felony counts, including perjury and conflict of interest. Hernandez was arrested a few days prior and has since pled not guilty during his appearance at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

The property at the center of the allegations was mentioned four times in the indictment. Prosecutors claim Hernandez misrepresented the gross income generated by the property, which is reportedly used to house various tenants on a short-term basis. Neighbors confirmed to reporters that new residents appear to move in approximately every 30 days.

The indictment also references 13 witnesses, including notable names such as Coachella Mayor Pro Tem Denise Delgado, former City Council Member Megan Beaman Jacinto, and Erica Felci, deputy executive director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). CVAG released a statement emphasizing its commitment to transparency and housing assistance programs, but declined to comment directly on the case.

NBC Palm Springs reporters attempted to reach Hernandez at the property listed in the indictment, but no one answered the door. The station also reached out to Delgado and Beaman Jacinto for comment, but neither responded as of publication time. Hernandez’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 23rd, 2026, for a felony settlement conference. The outcome of that hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.