Mayor Louie Lujan of La Puente Wins Case in Court; Judge Grants Dismissal
February 2013
Mayor Louie Lujan, the youngest Mayor in the State of California when elected in 2001, won a major court victory on February 1, 2013. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig T. Mitchell granted a complete dismissal of the case brought against Mayor Louie Lujan by the district attorney’s office. Judge Mtichell ordered that the case against Mayor Louie Lujan be 1) Immediately dismissed; and 2) All records pertaining to the case be destroyed.
In 2010, La Puente Mayor Louie Lujan announced that he would consider a run for State Assembly. Shortly after, the district attorney’s office received a complaint that he was improperly reporting $2500 in campaign contributions. Mayor Louie Lujan and supporters called the allegations false and politically motivated. Defense attorneys for Mayor Louie Lujan stated that the case moved forward only because of the Mayor’s status as a rising political star, and that the case would go nowhere if Louie Lujan was not the Mayor of La Puente.
On February 1, 2013, Los Angeles Superior Court judge Craig T. Mitchell appeared to agree with this argument and granted every single demand made by Louie Lujan and his defense attorneys. He stated that the court has reviewed the case, the arguments, and the demands made by both sides and has found “no merit” for the case to move forward.
Mayor Louie Lujan later stated that he was happy and ready to focus on his job as Mayor of La Puente. “Elected at a young age, I faced many challenges both in my election as Mayor, and during my first year in office. Age-discrimination, fundraising troubles and budget issues plagued me. This ordeal has only made me stronger and smarter. I am ready to move on.” He said.
Mayor Louie Lujan of La Puente is also noted for setting a record for the most votes ever obtained by a candidate in the 2005 La Puente Mayoral election; a record that still hold today.
