Councilman Tom Fuhrman Charged With 8 Counts, 1 Felony

Story updated at 7:20 p.m. with comments from former candidate John Baker:

Menifee City Council Member Tom Fuhrman, arrested Thursday morning by investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney's office, has been charged with a total of eight counts, including one felony, according to the DA's office.

Count 1, a felony, is a conflict of interest violation regarding a government code. Counts 2-5, all misdemeanors, accuse Fuhrman of using his official position to influence a governmental decision in which he knows he has a financial interest.

Counts 6-8, all misdemeanors, are violations of city Municipal Code section 5.1.030, not having a business license.

According to John Hall, public information officer for the Riverside County DA's office, those counts all pertain to Fuhrman not having a business license to run businesses or hold events at the Wooden Nickel Ranch he owns in Menifee. The other counts are related to action taken by Fuhrman in city council meetings that pertain to the Wooden Nickel Ranch.

According to Hall, the arrest was the result of an active investigation. Fuhrman was arrested at Wheatfield Park as he came off the field after playing in a seniors softball game. The above photo was taken by a witness at the scene.

Fuhrman is running for re-election on Nov. 4. He is opposed on the ballot by three opponents. One of those -- John Baker -- announced last week he is withdrawing from the election. Matt Liesemeyer and Sue Kristjansson are the other candidates.

Baker said today he knew "something was going to happen" when he announced he was withdrawing his support from Fuhrman and withdrawing from the race.

"Hopefully, people will see now why I stopped supporting Tom Fuhrman," Baker said. "In talking to multiple people, I knew a lot of stuff was surrounding him.

"I think he thought he was untouchable. People in office feel they don't have to pay the piper. No matter who you are, people will hold you accountable."

Baker said he would not re-enter the race and in fact would no longer be eligible anyway. He said after he decided to withdraw, he chose not to file final paperwork concerning campaign contributions.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.