Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez Pleads Guilty in Conflict of Interest Case

The criminal case against Steven Hernandez, mayor of Coachella, was officially resolved Tuesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center after he entered a plea bargain, bringing months of legal uncertainty to a close.

Hernandez pleaded guilty to one felony count of conflict of interest following hours of negotiations between prosecutors and his defense attorney. The plea marks a significant turn in a case that had been pending for months and closely watched by residents and local officials.

According to court proceedings, Hernandez admitted to violating California Government Code Section 1090 by unlawfully entering into a contract in which he had a financial interest. The charge stems from his involvement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, specifically tied to the regional Housing First program.

In exchange for the guilty plea, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss the remaining eight charges against him. Those included four misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest and four perjury-related charges connected to economic interest disclosure forms.

The District Attorney’s Office confirmed the plea deal carries serious consequences. In a statement, prosecutors said the conviction permanently disqualifies Hernandez from holding public office in California.

As a result, Hernandez will be required to step down from his role as mayor, though it remains unclear when his departure will take effect.

In addition to losing his position, Hernandez was sentenced to two years of probation, ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, and is permanently prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Attempts to obtain comment from Hernandez and his attorney before and after the hearing were unsuccessful. Officials with the City of Coachella have also not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the mayor’s future.

The case, formally titled The People of the State of California v. Steven Hernandez, is now considered closed.