Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez Faces Perjury and Conflict of Interest Charges

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez has been arrested on felony charges. He faces accusations of perjury and conflict of interest.

Details of the Arrest

Hernandez, aged 42, was taken into custody on October 28, 2025, at 10:35 a.m. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. The charges against him include five instances of conflict of interest, one of which is a felony, and five felony counts of perjury. His bail was set at $112,500, and he was released later that day.

City spokesperson Risseth Lora confirmed the arrest and stated that the city is cooperating with law enforcement. Despite the charges, Hernandez remains in his role as mayor and has not indicated any plans to resign.

Upcoming Court Appearance

Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court on October 30, 2025. Specific details about the allegations against him are currently unavailable, and the case was not accessible in the Riverside County Superior Court’s public online portal.

Background of Steven Hernandez

Hernandez has been a significant figure in local politics for nearly 20 years. He was first elected to the Coachella City Council in 2006, at the young age of 23. He became mayor in 2014, after previously serving as the council member.

Growing up in Coachella, Hernandez has deep roots in the community. His grandparents were migrant workers. He graduated from Coachella Valley High School and held degrees from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Southern California.

Political Network

He is part of a closely linked group of east valley politicians. Hernandez has collaborated with prominent figures like Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, who was once his mentor. His biography on Perez’s official website notes that he advises on various county policies.

City Budget and Controversies

Under Hernandez’s leadership, Coachella’s budget has grown significantly, boosted by grants for climate change initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. He has emphasized economic growth during his campaigns, noting over $200 million in investments secured for the city.

• Grant programs aimed at climate change and infrastructure.
• Over $200 million in external investments during Hernandez’s tenure.

The escalating budget and development have not been without controversy. Recently, the City Manager was dismissed, a decision Hernandez opposed. The fallout from such political moves raises questions about the potential implications of Hernandez’s current legal troubles on city governance.

Conclusion

The coming weeks will be critical for Mayor Hernandez as he navigates these serious accusations. The outcomes of the legal proceedings may significantly influence the future of his administration and the city of Coachella.