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Authorities seize computers, files as part of corruption probe into Moreno Valley leaders

Authorities have seized computers and files from the Riverside County homes of the City of Moreno Valley mayor and council members. From left to right: Moreno Valley city council members Victoria Baca, Marcelo Co, Mayor Tom Owings, and Moreno Valley city council members Jesse L. Molina and Richard A. Stewart.
Authorities have seized computers and files from the Riverside County homes of the City of Moreno Valley mayor and council members. From left to right: Moreno Valley city council members Victoria Baca, Marcelo Co, Mayor Tom Owings, and Moreno Valley city council members Jesse L. Molina and Richard A. Stewart.
(
Courtesy City of Moreno Valley
)

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Authorities have raided the homes of Moreno Valley's mayor and City Council members in a corruption probe.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise says a task force of federal and local agents served search warrants Tuesday on the homes of Mayor Tom Owings, all four of the other council members and a real estate agent. They also raided a developer's office near city hall.

Files and computers were seized.

Michael Moriarty, chief investigator with the Riverside County district attorney's office, tells KABC-TV the raids involved a criminal investigation of possible influence-peddling, campaign violations and political corruption.

No arrests were made.

A call left at City Hall seeking comment from the mayor and council members wasn't immediately returned.

However, Councilman Jesse Molina tells the Press-Enterprise that he's done nothing wrong.

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