11:30pm | The Los Angeles Times is reporting that State Senator Rod Wright (who represents portions of Long Beach) faces an eight-count felony indictment by the Los Angeles County Grand Jury “accusing him of filing a false declaration of candidacy, voter fraud and perjury beginning in 2007, when he changed his voter registration to run for the Legislature.”
According to the Times:
Wright listed as his residence a home in the district he wanted to represent, but county authorities allege that he did not live there. A candidate for state legislative office is required by California law to reside in the district he or she seeks to represent. The indictment also alleges that Wright fraudulently voted in elections in 2008 and 2009. If convicted, he faces up to eight years and four months in state prison and would be barred for life from holding elected office.
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According to the Times:
Wright listed as his residence a home in the district he wanted to represent, but county authorities allege that he did not live there. A candidate for state legislative office is required by California law to reside in the district he or she seeks to represent. The indictment also alleges that Wright fraudulently voted in elections in 2008 and 2009. If convicted, he faces up to eight years and four months in state prison and would be barred for life from holding elected office.
Wright served three terms in the State Assembly before winning election to the State Senate in 2008. He has served as the Chair of the Governmental Organization Committee, overseeing horse racing, public gaming, the National Guard and other duties.
The SacBee.com blog Capitol Alert quotes Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg as supporting Wright and announcing that he will contribute to Wright’s legal defense fund.
The charges were the result of a yearlong investigation against the Senator, who pleaded “Not Guilty” today. His attorney says he expects Wright to be cleared of all charges. His next court date is October 8.
Click here for LAT coverage.
NBCLA.com doesn’t miss the opportunity for this headline: Wright is Wrong About Where He Lives.