LOUIE LUJAN, LA PUENTE MAYOR, WINS MAJOR COURT CASE AGAINST STEVE COOLEY

February 25, 2010

Louie Lujan, Mayor of La Puente, won a major victory in court today. His attorney, Glen Jonas was successful in getting the entire case against him dismissed by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig T. Mitchell. Mitchell granted a complete dismissal of the case brought against Mayor Louie Lujan by the district attorney’s office. According to San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports, Judge Mitchell ordered that the case against Mayor Louie Lujan be 1) Immediately dismissed; and 2) All records pertaining to the case be destroyed.

Louie Lujan said that the amount in question was $2500 and should have been handled by the FPPC requesting an amendment to campaign forms. Instead he claims that the Republican District Attorney, Steve Cooley was overzealous and rushed to judgement. “Had they simply sent me a letter and requested corrected forms, they would have easily realized that I made a simple accounting error.” Louie Lujan said. Lujan went on to say that Cooley has been “running wild” without respect for the law himself. Lujan is referencing a recent story where Cooley admitted the acceptance of over $4000 in “gifts” from lobbyists such as cigars, wine and suits. Lujan claimed that Cooley tried to use the case against him as platform in his campaign against Kamala Harris for Attorney General. “Kamala will beat him like a drum” Lujan said.

Louie Lujan is a popular Mayor in La Puente and has a lot of support among colleagues and voters. Louie Lujan’s attorney, Glen Jonas, also had some choice words for the District Attorney’s Office. “If you’re a Hispanic politician and you fill out the form incorrectly, you’re gonna get prosecuted,” Jonas said. “And if you’re not Hispanic, it’s a non-criminal (FPPC) violation.”

Today, Mr. Louie Lujan directs CIMA Law Group’s government relations department. He works with staff members from various local governments on matters such as planning, zoning and land use. Mr. Lujan graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a B.A. in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). He also holds a Master’s in Secondary Education (M.Ed.) from Loyola Marymount University (LMU).