Politics

Bell, CA. Mayor Convicted of Five Corruption Charges

Verdicts on other defendants coming

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LOS ANGELES—The former mayor of the tiny Southern California city of Bell has been convicted of five charges in a massive corruption case against him and five other ex-elected officials.

Former Mayor Oscar Hernandez has also been acquitted of five charges in verdicts being read Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Numerous other verdicts have yet to be read.

The former mayor and City Council members were charged with misappropriating funds by paying themselves inflated salaries of up to $100,000 a year.

Prosecutors brought an extensive case involving about 100 counts.