SAN DIEGO — Chula Vista City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas and her brother Jesus Cardenas appeared before a readiness hearing in court on Wednesday morning.
Cardenas and her brother are facing charges that range from conspiracy to commit fraud to money laundering related to PPP loans. They've pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said the two had applied for and received more than $176,000 from the federal government's paycheck protection program (PPP) in 2021, through their political consulting firm, Grassroots Resources.
According to investigators, on the application, the Cardenas allegedly claimed to have 34 employees working for Grassroots Resources, which according to the District Attorney, was not true.
Jesus Cardenas had previously worked as chief of staff for San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn.
Defense Attorney Pedro Bernal is currently representing Andrea Cardenas. He said she would not be stepping down from her seat on the Chula Vista City Council.
"She's represented her constituents for a long time, she's served her community for many years. She plans to continue doing that," he said.
Andrea Cardenas, in a statement, said she looks forward to being able to defend herself, adding "My intent has never been to harm or disappoint those who believed in me, both in life and at the ballot box."
Andrea has been attending City Council meetings despite the concerns of other council members. The Mayor of Chula Vista, John McCann, has called for her resignation as well as residents of Chula Vista during City Council meetings.
In a written statement, Cardenas said she and her brother plan to defend themselves in court.
The hearing on Wednesday lasted only a few minutes and the next one is scheduled for February 20 and another is set for March 13.