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Coachella Mayor Pleads Guilty to Felony Conflict of Interest, Then Resigns

The conviction disqualifies him from public office under California law.

Overview

  • Hernandez, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating Government Code 1090, received two years of probation, 200 hours of community service, and a ban on holding elected office.
  • He resigned the same day, prompting the four-member City Council to start vetting a temporary replacement until an election.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Frank Figueroa said the council has 60 days to appoint someone to finish the term ending in December or to call a special election.
  • The plea resolved eight other charges, including perjury, and the admitted felony involved a city contract with CVAG’s Housing First Program that he was barred from influencing due to a financial interest.
  • Community figures urged accountability and noted his role as Supervisor Manuel Perez’s chief of staff, a tie that has renewed scrutiny of political relationships in Coachella.