
Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, left, and developers Richard Meaney, middle, and John Wessman, right, are accused of corruption and bribery that took place between 2012 and 2014.
PALM SPRINGS — The corruption case of former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and two developers has been transferred to Indio, and their next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.
RELATED: Ex-Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet accused of accepting $375,000 in bribes
Pougnet, who is gay, is accused of accepting approximately $375,000 in bribes between 2012 and 2014 in return for influencing city leaders to approve projects by Palm Springs developers John Wessman and Richard Meaney, who also are accused of paying Pougnet the bribes.
Riverside County prosecutors allege the money was moved to the mayor through shell companies and fake consulting jobs.
Pougnet, Wessman and Meaney were expected to enter initial pleas during a May 19 hearing, but it was delayed when defense attorneys requested the case be transferred to Indio, which Judge Samuel Diaz, Jr. approved.