Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez Pleads Guilty To Felony Conflict-Of-Interest Charge

COACHELLA, CA — The mayor of Coachella is departing following his guilty plea Tuesday to a felony conflict-of-interest charge.

Under a plea agreement, Steven A. Hernandez admitted the single count and spared himself from possible harsher punishment. The original nine-count indictment against Hernandez included perjury and additional conflict-of-interest allegations.

With eight counts dismissed, Hernandez was sentenced to two years of formal probation and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, per the plea agreement.

Hernandez found himself in hot water after he violated Government Code section 1090, which prohibits public officials from participating in government contracts in which they have a financial interest. According to prosecutors, Hernandez was illegally involved in votes and actions related to a contract between the City of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Housing First Program.

It's not immediately clear how Hernandez benefitted from the contract.

In addition to serving as mayor of Coachella, Hernandez also served as chief of staff for Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

In October, Perez confirmed that Hernandez was placed on "indefinite" leave amid the investigation. Hernandez was originally indicted by a Riverside County criminal grand jury on Oct. 30.

"The allegations against Steven Hernandez are serious," Perez said at the time. "He has been placed on indefinite administrative leave from the county. Although we are still waiting on more details, it's our understanding that the charges are unrelated to his role in our office."

With his conviction, Hernandez's county role is expected to be terminated. Under state law, he is now permanently barred from serving in any public office in California.