Jovita Camacho, who is running for Selma City Council, has been charged with two felonies for allegedly listing a false address when she filed to run. (GV Wire Composite)
- The Fresno County District Attorney's Office charged a Selma City Council candidate with two felonies.
- Jovita Camacho is running for Selma City Council.
- The DA's office said she lied about her residence when registering to run.
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A candidate for Selma City Council doesn’t live where she claims, the Fresno County District Attorney’s office said. Now, Jovita Camacho faces two felony counts.
Camacho, listed on the ballot as a property manager, filed on July 25 to run in District 4, in the southwest part of the city. The DA’s office said she actually lives in District 2, in the northeast part.
The DA’s office charged her with one count of filing a false declaration of candidacy, and one count of perjury. She could face a maximum of four years in prison if convicted.
Victor Lai of the DA’s Public Integrity Unit said he received a tip about Camacho’s true residence and started an investigation, including surveillance and a search warrant.
Earlier this week, Camacho met with the DA’s office in the office of her attorney, Jeffrey Hammerschmidt. Camacho received a citation, with a Sept. 25 arraignment date in front of Judge Geoffrey Wilson.
Hammerschmidt said he is sorting out the case.
“I’ll know more once I’ve had a chance to review the complaint and the police reports,” Hammerschmidt told GV Wire. “I’ve been in communication with the DA’s office and Ms. Camacho has been cooperative in the investigation.”
Camacho serves on the Selma Unified School District bond oversight committee.
Where Does Camacho Live?
A court registration database used by GV Wire shows Camacho registered on Cleveland Street, which is in District 4.
Fresno County Election Clerk James Kus said candidates are required to sign documents under penalty of perjury that they live at their declared residence. They don’t have to provide documents to prove the fact.
Despite questions about her residence, Camacho will remain on the ballot.
Two-Person Race for Selma District 4
Santiago Oceguera, a retired eligibility worker, is the only other candidate for the seat. He said he was unaware of the charges, and did not know much about Camacho.
Current District 4 Councilmember Beverly Cho is not running for re-election. Her residence is no longer part of the district because of redistricting.
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