Former Mayor Charged With Forging Documents

Former San Fernando Mayor Jess Margarito faces felony charges for allegedly crediting friends and acquaintances with court-ordered community service they did not perform, authorities said Thursday.

Capping a three-year investigation by the San Fernando Police Department, prosecutors filed forgery charges Monday against Margarito, a longtime San Fernando power broker who also served as a city councilman and parks director. If convicted, he faces up to four years and four months in state prison.

Margarito could not be reached for comment Thursday, but in the past he has denied wrongdoing.