Pueblo City Council swear in councilman-elect facing pending felony charges

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- During the Pueblo City Council meeting Monday evening, councilman-elect Vincente Martinez Ortega was sworn in despite the fact that a recent felony charge is still pending.

Since his election in November, Martinez Ortega was charged with felony criminal mischief for alleged damage to city property. According to a criminal complaint filed by the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Martinez Ortega is accused of causing between $1,000 and $5,000 worth of damage to the Christopher Columbus statue in Pueblo.

Last week, Martinez Ortega tried to plea down to a misdemeanor, but a court issued a continuance to January 19 after a disagreement over probation terms.

Heather Graham has been named the new City Council President. Larry Atencio goes from President to Vice President. @KRDONC13 https://t.co/iW1I5wHg5P pic.twitter.com/waqYL4NE4w

— Sean Rice KRDO (@SeanRiceTV) January 11, 2022

During Monday's meeting, the council voted to elect a new president and vice-president. In a 4-3 secret ballot vote, Heather Graham was elected as the new City Council President. Larry Atencio was elected as City Council Vice-President in a 4-3 secret ballot vote.