Riverside County Supervisor Fires Hernandez as Chief of Staff Following Guilty Plea

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has terminated Steven Hernandez from his role as Chief of Staff, days after Hernandez pleaded guilty to a felony conflict of interest charge and resigned as Mayor of Coachella.

Perez's office confirmed the firing in a statement Thursday: "Steven Hernandez no longer works for the County of Riverside. Supervisor Perez terminated his employment today."

Hernandez entered his guilty plea earlier this week at the Indio Larson Justice Center, admitting he willfully entered into a government contract in which he had a personal financial interest. As part of the plea deal, he will serve probation, complete community service, and face a lifetime ban on owning weapons. He will also be permanently barred from holding public office anywhere in California.

Coachella's City Council is expected to address how to fill the now-vacant mayor's seat at their April 8 public meeting. Under city rules, the council has 60 days to either appoint a new mayor or call a special election.