Mesa City Council replaces member who pleaded guilty to DUI

PHOENIX — The Mesa City Council appointed a former Maricopa County official on Thursday to replace a councilman who was removed from office after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated.

Francisco Heredia, the former community relations manager for Maricopa County Recorder, was sworn into office following his appointment by the City Council during a special meeting. He was approved by a 5-1 vote.

The council confirmed the news in a tweet, saying, “Congratulations to Francisco Heredia on being appointed as the new councilmember for District 3.”

Congratulations to Francisco Heredia on being appointed as the new councilmember for District 3.

— Mesa City Council (@MesaCityCouncil) September 28, 2017

Mesa Mayor John Giles also tweeted his congrats, saying “Congratulations to #Mesa’s new District 3 City Councilmember Francisco Heredia!”

Congratulations to #Mesa's new District 3 City Councilmember Francisco Heredia! Read more about him at https://t.co/zVwzoQ9SxN. pic.twitter.com/lJP13NzDxv

— Mayor John Giles (@MayorGiles) September 28, 2017

Heredia will serve as the District 3 Councilmember, replacing former councilman Ryan Winkle, who was removed from office in August after he was arrested in May and later pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.

At the time of his DUI, Winkle had a blood-alcohol content of .220, nearly three times the legal limit. Winkle pleaded guilty to one count of extreme DUI in July and was sentenced to six days in jail and 49 days of home detention.

Heredia will serve as the District council member until the Aug. 28, 2018 city election and, if necessary a Nov. 6, 2018 runoff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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