The State - News from April 10, 1988

Mendota Mayor Alex Valdez has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Fresno on charges of selling political favors. Valdez, 39, allegedly received a $5,000 bribe, a down payment on the $25,000 he demanded from a federal undercover agent to ensure City Council approval of a proposed low-income housing project, U.S. Atty. David Levi said. Valdez and Jerry Harris, a Fresno contractor involved in a large Mendota development, were indicted on charges of bribery, extortion and conspiracy, Levi said. Both Valdez and Harris deny the allegations. If convicted, they face up to 50 years in jail.