Former California mayor indicted in bribery scheme

Written By Dawn Kamber

A grand jury has indicted the former mayor of Palm Springs in a public corruption case that alleges he took $375,000 in bribes from real estate developers.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin says former Mayor Stephen Pougnet could be barred for life from holding public office if he’s convicted.

Real estate developers Richard Meaney and John Wessman were also charged. The defendants will be arraigned in Riverside County Superior Court on Sept. 12.

Officials allege Meaney and Wessman secretly funneled money to Pougnet between 2012 and 2014 when they had lucrative development projects before the city council. Pougnet voted on the projects and didn’t disclose his financial interest.

Dawn Kamber
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