"The mayor of Coachella has been arrested and faces an uncertain future in public policy, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday. Steven Hernandez was taken into custody on Oct. 28 and faces several felony and misdemeanor charges of perjury and conflict of interest, online court records show. After posting the $112,500 bail, he was arraigned at the Larson Justice Center in Indio on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges."
"Hernandez was first elected to Coachella City Council when he was just 23 years old and has served as mayor for over a decade, according to a 2024 interview with Desert Magazine. Born and raised in the valley, he earned a degree in English and political science from UC Riverside before going on to earn a master's in public administration from USC. He's currently serving his fifth term as mayor, according to KESQ-TV."
"The conflict-of-interest charges relate to a contract between the city of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments' Housing First Program, as well as votes Hernandez cast regarding the development of downtown Coachella, the release says. The perjury charges relate to the Statement of Economic Interests public disclosure forms Hernandez previously filled out, but further details weren't included. "If convicted as currently charged," the Oct. 30 release from the DA's office says, "Hernandez would be barred for life from ever holding public office and face over seven years in state prison.""
Steven Hernandez, the longtime mayor of Coachella, was arrested on Oct. 28 and charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of perjury and conflict of interest. He posted $112,500 bail and was arraigned at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, where he pleaded not guilty. The conflict-of-interest allegations concern a contract with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments' Housing First Program and votes related to downtown development. The perjury counts concern previously filed Statement of Economic Interests disclosure forms. The city says it is cooperating with authorities. If convicted as charged, Hernandez could face over seven years in state prison and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
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