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Former Santa Ana Councilman Roman Reyna ordered to pay $578,053 in election fraud case

by in News

Former Santa Ana Councilman Roman Reyna pleaded guilty Thursday to election fraud, admitting that he falsely claimed to have lived in his residence for at least 30 days before pulling papers to run for office.

As part of a plea agreement, Reyna was ordered to pay $578,053.16. The money will cover the cost of a special election Santa Ana is holding this November – after he resigned from his seat earlier this year – and legal fees related to the civil complaint against him.

Reyna also is banned for life from holding elected office again.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, elected last November, said all local politicians should take note of Reyna’s case.

“This is a change in our county,” Spitzer said of his first political-related prosecution. “We’re sending a message to the Orange County political community: If you don’t follow the rules, you’re going to be prosecuted.”

Reyna resigned on March 1 as part of a settlement agreement to a legal challenge from opponent Phil Bacerra.

On Thursday, Reyna plead guilty to one felony count of perjury and one misdemeanor count of filing fraudulent nomination papers, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The felony guilty plea could be withdrawn after a one-year review and he will be sentenced on the misdemeanor charge if he successfully completes the terms of his probation, the D.A.’s Office reported.

Reyna could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Steve Baric, said that Reyna has admitted fault and plans to pay back the costs of the election.

“This is an episode in his life where he recognizes he’s made a mistake. He wants to move on with his life,” Baric said.

As for being barred for future elected office, Baric said: “He’s disappointed, but recognizes that’s a consequence of his actions and is willing to accept it.”

Reyna, 52, has worked in nonprofits and earlier served a full term on the council, Baric noted.

“He has served with great care and distinction,” Baric said.

Reyna first won election to the Santa Ana City Council in 2012, handily defeating opponent Karina Onofre for the Ward 5 seat. In 2014, he ran for mayor, losing to long-time incumbent Miguel Pulido by about 15 percentage points. In 2016, Reyna sought a seat on the council but lost to opponent Juan Villegas.

Last year, Reyna ran again, this time for the Ward 4 seat, and won with nearly 56 percent of the votes. But his opponent in that race, Bacerra, filed a legal challenge, arguing that Reyna did not live in the district during the required 30 days before becoming a candidate. That lawsuit was settled when Reyna agreed to step down.

Bacerra said Thursday that he’s thankful Spitzer followed through with Reyna’s prosecution. Now a candidate in the upcoming special election, Bacerra wrote via e-mail that if elected to the Ward 4 seat he will “hold our elected officials accountable, and continue to fight against corruption, illegal activities, and politics as usual at city hall.”

Bacerra will be reimbursed $38,213 for his legal fees as part of the restitution order.