Nelson Esparza
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The Fresno County District Attorney’s office dropped charges against Fresno City Council President Nelson Esparza Monday alleging he tried to extort former city attorney Doug Sloan.
The move came during a pre-trial hearing Monday morning, reported GVWire.
In July District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp filed a felony complaint against Esparza accusing him of threatening Sloan’s job unless he agreed to work strictly for the Council majority. The felony count was changed to two misdemeanor counts that were dismissed unexpectedly Monday, GVWire reported.
Upon hearing the news, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer struck a conciliatory tone in a press statement.
“I know this issue has weighed heavily on Council President Esparza and his family. Now that charges have been dismissed, it is my hope that we will be able to move forward as we continue to serve our community,” Dyer said.
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