Another day, another politician, another criminal charge

The District Attorney's office has filed a criminal charge against City Coucilman Steven Johnson, accusing him of a conflict of interest on a vote he cast in January.

The misdemeanor count was filed in Pomona Superior Court late Tuesday and it stems from a January 16 council meeting in which Johnson voted to approve a University of La Verne expansion despite being advised by the city attorney to recuse himself based on a potential financial conflict.

Johnson co-owns a 3,500-square-foot property along Arrow Highway, on which he operates an insurance business.

Because the business is located within 500 feet from the campus, state law presumes voting is a conflict

Johnson didn't return my calls Wednesday, but he's said before he doesn't think the project will affect his property value.

Johnson's arraignment is scheduled for May 29, and he faces up to six months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Ouch...