Norcal implicated in San Jose mayoral scandal

San Jose, Calif., Mayor Ron Gonzales was arraigned Monday on six felony charges including bribery, conspiracy to misappropriate public money and falsification of public records. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Gonzales and his budget aide, Joe Guerra, are accused of illegally helping San Francisco-based Norcal Waste Systems win a contract with the city. The case could cost Gonzales over half a million dollars in legal fees, and on Wednesday six members of the city council are expected to demand his resignation. Meanwhile, Norcal faces four felony counts: conspiracy to cheat and defraud, bribery, conspiracy to misappropriate public moneys and misappropriation of public moneys.

In a statement released last week, Norcal claimed it is innocent of the charges levied against it: “Norcal Waste Systems denies any wrongdoing in connection with its bid for a garbage and recycling contract with the City of San Jose. Norcal committed no crime, either in the bidding process or in performance of the contract. Norcal will contest these charges vigorously and the company expects to be vindicated in court.”