Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
What's Up with La Puente Politics?
Louie Lujan
The former 33-year-old mayor of La Puente, Louie Lujan, was sentenced to three months probation, fined $1,000 and barred from holding elected office, a Superior Court Judge ruled today. Last month, Lujan pleaded guilty to one felony count of perjury not reporting contributions and expenditures during his 2009 campaign before submitting his resignation. Lujan's attorney last month said this was about race. "If you're a Hispanic politician and you fill out the form incorrectly, you're gonna get prosecuted," Glen Jonas said. "And if you're not Hispanic, it's a non-criminal (FPPC) violation."
Meanwhile, the District Attorney's office said yesterday that they do not have any credible evidence to press charges against two La Puente city officials who were accused of conspiracy and money laundering, thus ending a two-year investigation, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
