The mayor of Coachella pleaded guilty to a conflict-of-interest charged Tuesday after he was accused of casting a vote for a real estate project that benefited his personal finances.
Steven Hernandez pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating a conflict-of-interest law after reaching a plea deal with the Riverside County District Attorney’s office.
Hernandez won’t serve time in prison, but he will never be able to hold public office in California again. He’s also sentenced to two years of forma probation while being ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.
The case initially centered around a vote in 2023. Hernandez was accused of voting to approve a real estate project between the city of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Housing First despite having a financial interest in properties used in the program.
The plea deal also meant other previous charges, including perjury and other conflict-of-interest allegations, were dismissed.
The Coachella City Council was scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss the vacancy and legal fallout.
The city council could vote to appoint someone to fill the vacant seat or it can call for a special election.