Coachella Mayor Sentenced to Probation for Conflict of Interest Plea
Political Career of Steven Hernandez Comes to an End Following Guilty Plea
The political landscape in Riverside County has shifted as Steven Hernandez, the former mayor of Coachella, has effectively concluded his career in public office. Hernandez pleaded guilty to a conflict-of-interest charge on Tuesday, stemming from accusations that he voted for a real estate project that financially benefited him personally.
Under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s office, Hernandez admitted to one felony count of violating conflict-of-interest laws. Although he will not serve time in prison, the former mayor is barred from holding public office in California again. He has been sentenced to two years of formal probation and is required to complete 200 hours of community service.
The case arose from a 2023 vote in which Hernandez approved a real estate project involving the city of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Housing First initiative, despite having a financial interest in properties linked to the program.
As part of the plea deal, earlier charges against him, including perjury and additional conflict-of-interest allegations, have been dismissed.
In light of Hernandez’s guilty plea, the Coachella City Council is set to convene on Wednesday to discuss the implications of his departure and the legal ramifications that follow. The council is expected to deliberate on whether to appoint a replacement for the vacant seat or to call for a special election.
