4 of 5 San Jacinto council members indicted in corruption probe

According to the indictment, which was viewed by a reporter, there are 155 counts alleging felony and misdemeanor violations. The defendants are accused of hiding campaign contributions. In one count, two defendants — Jim Ayres and Stephen Holgate — are accused of offering a bribe.

All of the public officials remain in office.

Many of the allegations revolve around former Mayor Jim Ayres’ unsuccessful run for the 65th Assembly District seat in 2006. According to Pacheco, “hundreds of thousands of dollars” were funneled into Ayres’ campaign under false names to circumvent a state law that limits individual contributions to $6,600. In many cases, the true source was developer Holgate, with those listed as donors being reimbursed later, he said. Laundered money also was allegedly funneled into Nancy Jo Ayres’ successful campaign for trustee of the San Jacinto Unified School District.

“Jim Ayres is the primary player — and Mr. Holgate, who funded him,” Pacheco said.

The 18-month investigation resulted in 32 search warrants that included the homes of Ayres, Stubblefield and Mansperger.

Prosecutors said they turned up cases of bribery involving a city official, but the D.A.’s office would not provide more details until the grand jury transcript was released.

“I have never seen anything like this, to be quite candid,” Pacheco said. “I have never seen four out of five City Council members indicted in Riverside County or in the state of California. Every time we looked at something, we found something else. This has lasted 18 months and I can’t tell you where it will end.”

Some of the charges carry possible prison terms up to 25 years.

All of those indicted have appeared in court and been released on bail.

Steve Di Memmo is the only councilman not under a cloud. Pacheco praised him for cooperating during the probe.

“I would hope they would do the right thing and step down, but it’s up to the public to tell them that,” Di Memmo said.