Prominent South Bay Democratic Siblings, Including Chula Vista Council Member, Charged in Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme
Two prominent Democratic figures, siblings no less, have been charged with fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. The San Diego District Attorney’s office made this announcement on Wednesday.
Andrea Cardenas, a sitting Chula Vista City Council member, and her elder brother, Jesus Cardenas, who previously served as the chief of staff to San Diego City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, are at the center of this controversy.
The charges revolve around their alleged fraudulent acquisition of a $176,227 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for their venture, Grassroots Resources, a local government and political consulting firm, Time of San Diego reported.
According to the charging documents, Jesus Cardenas is accused of misrepresenting the nature and scale of Grassroots Resources to secure the PPP loan.