Pougnet Takes Plea Deal, Accepts Responsibility

After Signing Plea Deal Pougnet Wishes Palm Springs ‘Terrific Future’

BANNING — Minutes after accepting a plea agreement in a criminal bribery case that lasted more than a decade, former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet said he was grateful — to those who stood by him during the yearslong ordeal.

Pougnet, 62, also told Uken Report that he has always accepted responsibility for his actions. Wednesday was no different.

“I would like to thank the citizens of Palm Springs for their continued support and encouragement which I have received throughout my case,” Pougnet told Uken Report, “I have always accepted responsibility for my actions.  I treat these legal matters, most of which occurred over a dozen years ago, no differently.

“Although I left the city to be with my husband and children out of state, I continue to have great love for Palm Springs and remain extremely proud of all that the Council and I accomplished during my terms in office.  Especially, the revitalization of the downtown core, which citizens and visitors alike will enjoy for decades to come.

“I am certain that the city will continue to thrive, and I wish the people of Palm Springs a terrific future.”

Conditions of the plea agreement were not immediately available.

Malcolm Segal, Pougnet’s attorney, declined to speak now about the agreement or conditions of the agreement.

“While I understand the desire to know more, I have decided that it is not in Steve’s interests to talk to anyone about the resolution until it is complete in early July, not even friends,” he said. “His co-defendant (John Wessman) has started his trial, and I do not want to interfere with that process in any way.”

Pougnet pleaded directly to the court/Judge, which is a right that defendants have, Amy McKenzie, communications division director, for Riverside County District Attorney’s office. told Uken Report. from an alleged scheme to buy off the mayor in exchange for his support for a real estate devucoeloper’s projects.

He pleaded no contest to three counts of perjury,

“It was not a plea agreement with our office,” McKenzie said. “Our office objected on the record to the plea to the court, saying that the defendant took advantage of the public trust.”

Pougnet pleaded guilty to all counts, except the three counts of perjury to which he pleaded no contest.

Pougnet, popular and charismatic, served as mayor from December 2007 to December 2015.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 2.