A former San Fernando City Councilman embroiled in a sex scandal involving a colleague said Sunday that he wants battery and vandalism charges against his former lover dropped. Janet Kwak reports from Pacoima for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 15 ,2012.
Councilman Mario Hernandez stepped down from his post hours before the city council was set to meet Tuesday, July 10. Colleagues called on Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre, with whom Hernandez admitted to have an affair, and Mayor Brenda Esqueda to follow Hernandez's example. Kim Baldonado reports from San Fernando for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on July 10, 2012.
San Fernando Councilman Mario Hernandez resigned Tuesday and the recall effort against two others picked up support. Councilmembers called Mayor Brenda Esqueda to step down amid allegations she had an affair with a police officer while still voting on police matters. Esqueda says she may be an elected official, but she is "still a human being." Kim Baldonado reports for the NBC4 News at 11pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A former San Fernando City Councilman embroiled in a sex scandal involving a colleague said Sunday that he wants battery and vandalism charges against his former lover dropped.
Mario Hernandez held an impromptu press conference announcing the decision, saying he didn’t think the police would conduct an impartial investigation because of comments that surfaced on Facebook by the investigating officer.
Hernandez did not address the affair or the charges lodged against his former lover, Maribel De La Torre, after a spat turned physical last month during their breakup.
Hernandez said he repeatedly told San Fernando police he did not want to file battery and vandalism charges against De La Torre following the fight.
But he claims police told him there was nothing he could do to withdraw his complaints.
Hernandez and De La Torre had a scandalous affair last year that resulted in a public, bitter breakup, with restraining orders filed against each other.
Hernandez said police urged him to file the protective order against his will, claiming he was manipulated by a biased police sergeant motivated by revenge.
“When you have an investigating officer posting comments on Facebook that clearly relate to the council member, mayor and myself, saying, 'San Fernando residents urge mayor, council members to resign,' he's no longer impartial,'" Hernandez said. “He's looking to hang someone.”
Hernandez met with the Los Angeles District Attorney on Monday to withdraw all charges but the DA's office said they are proceeding with the case.
De La Torre did not return a call seeking comment on Sunday.
Hernandez stepped down from his post Tuesday.
Hernandez, De La Torre and Mayor Brenda Esqueda – accused of having a relationship with a police official while voting on police matters – face a recall election in the fall.
