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Selma City Council Candidate Charged With Two Felonies
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 12 months ago on
September 12, 2024

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)

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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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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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