Chula Vista Democrat Councilmember Andrea Cardenas is under scrutiny after appearing in court on multiple fraud and money laundering charges related to pandemic-era relief loans. This situation has caused concerns from city officials, including Mayor John McCann and Councilmember Jose Preciado, who have called for Cardenas to resign to prioritize the city’s well-being.
Despite these calls and the ongoing legal proceedings, Cardenas, through her attorney, has expressed her intention to remain in office and even seek re-election. This decision has stirred debate among residents about the impact of her legal challenges on city governance.
Councilmember Andrea Cardenas appears in court on fraud charges
Original Article Link: Councilmember Andrea Cardenas appears in court on fraud charges | FOX 5 San Diego
SAN DIEGO –- Chula Vista Councilmember Andrea Cardenas and her brother Jesus appeared in court Wednesday on fraud charges.
Cardenas and her brother are facing multiple felonies ranging from fraud to money laundering related to pandemic-era relief loans obtained by their political consulting firm Grassroots Resources.
“These indictments are a dark cloud over the city right now,” said Chula Vista Mayor John McCann.
The pair were in court Wednesday for a readiness hearing, scheduling future court dates. While there hasn’t been much movement on the case yet, there have been consistent calls from the public for Cardenas to resign from her position on the city council, including by McCann and fellow Councilmember Jose Preciado.
Cardenas has returned to attending meetings, mostly staying silent despite the recurring critical public comments.
Cardenas’ attorney has said she has no intention of stepping down, in fact she’s filed to run for re-election. McCann says he hasn’t had the chance to speak to her one on one, but this is what he would say:
“Just to put the city of Chula Vista first, and to be able to resign and make sure that the city can go back to functioning well.”
Cardenas has only issued one public statement saying she plans to defend herself against these charges.
The next city council meeting is next Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Original Article Link: Councilmember Andrea Cardenas appears in court on fraud charges | FOX 5 San Diego
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