Prosecutors say Cardenas, 41, and his sister fraudulently obtained a $176,227 Paycheck Protection Program loan in early 2021 intended for their firm, Grassroots Resources. The money was meant to support payroll for 34 employees, most of whom actually worked for a marijuana dispensary that was a Grassroots client.
The political consultant and former chief of staff to San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn pleaded guilty to stealing more than $200,000 from taxpayers
Political consultant Jesus Cardenas, who pleaded guilty to grand theft charges along with his sister, ex-Chula Vista City Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas, for.