LA Councilman Richard Alarcon pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 18 criminal counts, including perjury and voter fraud, for allegedly living outside the district he represents.
Alarcon arrived at an LA County courthouse Wednesday afternoon. A spokesperson said there will be a statement regarding his case at about 3 p.m.
According to the District Attorney, Alarcon's wife, Flora Montes De Oca Alarcon, pleaded not guilty to six similar charges. The charges were included in a 24-count indictment returned late Friday and unsealed Wednesday.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn told the LA Times she received a note from her colleague at Wednesday's regular meeting.
"He communicated with each council member, asking us to keep an open mind, and that he was going to fight this and continue to work very hard for the City of Los Angeles," Hahn told the Times.
Councilman Bill Rosendahl told KPCC, it was "just anote telling us what was going on and that he wanted us to know that he was innocent and that he would fight whatever he needs to fight if there's something to fight."
Alarcon represents District 7. In January, the DA received permission to search two homes owned by Alarcon's wife. One home is on Nordhoff Street in Panorama City, which is in his district. The other is on Sheldon Street in Sun Valley, located in District 2.
Six of the councilman's staff members were ordered to appear before a grand jury last month. The order came six months after prosecutors obtained warrants as part of the investigation.
The grand jury's decision regarding a possible indictment has not been confirmed, but details might be provided after the 2 p.m. court appearance.
Alarcon claimed he moved his family to the Sun Valley address after someone broke into his home.
"We do have two houses and maybe that's caused some confusion, but my permanent residence is on Nordhoff Street," he told the LA Times last month.
