News Channel 3 obtains grand jury transcript of indicted Coachella mayor

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) KESQ News Channel Three has obtained the grand jury transcript that led to the indictment of Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, offering a rare look at sworn testimony from current and former city leaders and regional officials about how City Hall operated behind closed doors.

The more than 500-page transcript shows jurors heard testimony from Coachella Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilmember Denise Delgado, former Coachella City Councilmember Megan Beaman Jacinto, and Celina Jimenez, the city’s director of economic development. Each testified about city decisions, internal dynamics, and their interactions with Hernandez.

Jurors also heard from Erica Felci, executive director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the regional agency that oversees transportation and housing programs across the valley. Her testimony focused on a regional homeless housing program connected to properties owned by Hernandez, according to the transcript.

Prosecutors questioned witnesses about city council votes, development projects, and financial disclosures, focusing on whether Hernandez took part in decisions while having personal financial interests connected to those matters. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to charges including perjury and conflict of interest.

Court records show Hernandez is next due back in court on Feb. 23, 2026.

This is a developing story and this article will be updated with additional information as it becomes available. Tune into KESQ News Channel Three tonight for full reports on the release of the grand jury testimony as we continue to follow the legal case against current Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez.