Alarcon expects to be indicted today **

City Councilman Richard Alarcon has informed city officials that he expects DA Steve Cooley's grand jury will issue an indictment today charging him in connection with his residency issues, the Times says. He's expected to make a court appearance early this afternoon and put out a statement around 3 p.m. Be interesting to see, aside from Alarcon's situation, if this alters the way politicians handle their residences. He isn't the first or only local office-holder or candidate around whom questions linger about where they actually live. Alarcon's homes are in Sun Valley and Arleta (or possibly Panorama City, depending where you like your lines.)

* 2:50 p.m. update: Alarcon has pleaded not guilty to 18 counts, including perjury and voter fraud. His wife, Flora Montes de Oca Alarcon, pleaded not guilty to six counts. They have been released OR and are due back in court Sept. 27. The indictment was apparently returned Friday, then released today.

3:40 p.m. update: The charges against Alarcon break down this way:
* 2 counts of filing false declarations of candidacy;
* 7 counts of voter fraud, for allegedly fraudulently voting in
elections in 2007, 2008 and 2009;
* 9 counts of perjury, including three for allegedly filing false
driver's license applications.;
* Montes de Oca is charged with three counts of perjury and three counts of voter fraud.

** Alarcon statement

Previously on LA Observed:
Alarcon residency plot thickens
Alarcon has a new story about his residence
DA investigating where Alarcon really lives