Inside the Grand Jury testimony of indicted Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez 

INDIO, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Grand jury transcripts unsealed in the indictment of Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez reveal dramatic testimony alleging that the longtime mayor used his public office to enrich himself – and allegedly bullied anyone who got in his way.

The 467-page transcript, obtained by KESQ News Channel 3 provides an inside look at the nine-count indictment against Hernandez, who is charged with conflict-of-interest and perjury offenses spanning 2021 to 2023.

Hernandez, 42, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in his post pending trial.

Hernandez faces one felony count of conflict of interest for approving a city contract in which he allegedly had a financial stake, four felony counts of perjury for false statements on financial disclosure forms, and four misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest for votes he cast on matters from which he stood to benefit.

If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to over seven years in state prison and barred from public office for life, though prosecutors acknowledge his lack of prior offenses means a probationary sentence is possible

The grand jury testimony outlines several key decisions by Hernandez that are under scrutiny.

News Channel 3's Garrett Hottle breaks down the Grand Jury testimony. Watch his report at 6 p.m.