The fallout from the federal investigation into the dealings of deceased Los Angeles County Federation of Labor chief Miguel Contreras continued last week, when mail fraud were filed against Alejandro Stephens, a leader of the local affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, which represents Los Angeles County workers. Stephens agreed to plead guilty to two counts of mail fraud and one count of tax evasion. Stephens is accused of accepting $50,000 in bogus consulting fees from Contreras on behalf of himself and four associates.

The charges stem from a broader investigation of Contreras’ influence in local Los Angeles politics. A grand jury is also investigating whether Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar and former Board of Education member David Tokofsky accepted consulting fees in a similar arrangement. No charges have been filed yet against Huizar or Tokofsky.

If you’ve been arrested on federal fraud charges, Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney Robert Michael Helfend can help you prepare a successful criminal defense. Mr. Helfend has more than 25 years’ experience in federal criminal defense and can assist you in even the most serious cases.

Mr. Helfend has established a reputation as an aggressive defense attorney and will fight to get the charges against you reduced or dropped. This is exceptionally important in federal cases, because federal prosecutors are heavily resourced and can be overly aggressive in their prosecutions.

Don’t gamble your freedom. Contact Robert Helfend today for a free consultation on your federal mail fraud case.

Photo Credit: bartvandamme, via Flickr