This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
DA refiles perjury, voter fraud charges against Richard Alarcon
Hours after a judge dropped the criminal case against LA City Councilman Richard Alarcon, the District Attorney's Office refiled the exact same charges.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:58
DA refiles perjury, voter fraud charges against Richard Alarcon
Hours after a judge dismissed a criminal case against Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon and his wife, the District Attorney’s Office refilled the exact same 24 counts stemming from allegations the councilman lived outside of his district.
The Alarcons were originally charged back in 2010. The councilman is accused of registering his address as Panorama City, within the boundaries of his Seventh District, when he in fact lived in Sun Valley, outside of his district.
Alarcon has always maintained that he did live in the house in Panorama City, but moved out after a squatter broke in and occupied the residence for as long as 48 hours.
Judge Kathleen Kennedy dismissed the case this morning, saying members of the Grand Jury were not given the opportunity to review evidence that favored the councilman.
District Attorney Steve Cooley disagreed.
“The Grand Jury transcripts clearly show that our prosecutors did indeed present evidence submitted by the councilman and his wife,” Cooley said in a statement. “The Grand Jury chose not to consider it, as is their right.”
The councilman again faces two felony counts of filing a false declaration of candidacy, seven counts of voter fraud and nine counts of perjury, including three for allegedly filing false driver’s license applications.
Sponsored message
Flora Montes de Oca Alarcon is charged with three counts of perjury and three counts of voter fraud.
The Alarcons will be arraigned at a later date, according to the district attorney’s office.
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
