Los Angeles Councilman Richard Alarcon Says He Expects To Be Indicted
Updated with Alarcon pleading not guilty. Originally posted at 12:51 p.m.
Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 18 criminal counts in connection with allegations that he lives outside his San Fernando Valley district, which would be illegal. His wife, Flora Montes De Oca Alarcon, pleaded not guilty to six similar charges -- perjury and voter fraud.
A 24-count indictment concerning the couple's place of residence was unsealed Wednesday.
The councilman is legally required to live in his district.
Early this year the District Attorney's office opened an investigation into Alarcon's residency after allegations surfaced that he was not living in his district but rather in a nearby house, a Sun Valley residence owned by his wife, that's outside the district. Alarcon claimed that he vacated his Panorama City home temporarily for repairs after a vagrant squatted in the home twice; neighbors, however, indicated he was rarely seen there.
Councilman Bill Rosendahl on Wednesday said Alarcon gave him a "a note telling us what was going on and that he wanted us to know that he was innocent and that he would fight whatever he needs to fight if there's something to fight.''
Alarcon and his wife were are due back in court Sept. 27.
-With reporting from City News Service. Got news? Email us. Follow us on Twitter, too: @dennisjromero.
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