Fuhrman Pleads Not Guilty; Next Court Date Jan. 28

Former Menifee City Council member Tom Fuhrman today entered a plea of not guilty to one felony count and multiple misdemeanor charges of alleged corruption while in office.

Appearing in court at the Southwest Justice Center in French Valley, Fuhrman was given a Jan. 28 court date for a felony settlement conference, which gives both parties the opportunity to discuss a possible settlement. Fuhrman remains free on $5,000 bail.

Fuhrman was arrested Oct. 23 following an investigation by the Riverside County District Attorney's office into alleged corruption during the course of his duties as a city council member. The felony count is a charge of conflict of interest violation regarding a government code. Four misdemeanor counts accuse Fuhrman of using his official position to influence a governmental decision in which he knew he had a financial interest.

According to court records, the charges stem from issues concerning Fuhrman's ownership of the Wooden Nickel Ranch in Menifee. Fuhrman is accused of participating in council discussion and votes in which he should've recused himself because of a conflict of interest.

In a statement he released shortly following his arrest, Fuhrman disputed the charges. He continued in his bid for re-election to the city council in District 2 but lost that seat to Matt Liesemeyer, who was sworn in on Dec. 3 to replace him.

"I am a target because I am the outspoken advocate for the rural community of Menifee," Fuhrman said at the time. "I continuously fight to protect property and Constitutional rights. I have said I will throw myself on the sword for my people."