Felony charges pouring down on silent water board member

In case you missed it, Three Valleys water board member Xavier Alvarez -- yes, the same guy who lied about receiving the Medal of Honor -- pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of grand theft, insurance fraud and misappropriateing public funds on Thursday.

Here's the breif we ran last week:

Water board member pleads not guilty

Xavier Alvarez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday morning in Pomona Superior Court.

Alvarez, the Three Valleys Municipal Water District board member who had three felony charges filed against him, will have a preliminary hearing on Feb. 24 in Pomona.

Alvarez was charged with grand theft of personal property, insurance fraud and misappropriating public money.

Alvarez, who represents south Pomona on the water board, reportedly placed Juanita Ruiz, his ex-wife, on his insurance from Jan. 24 to Oct. 31, 2007.

He was elected to his water board position in 2006.

He was previously fined and sentenced to probation in July for violating the Stolen Valor Act, which criminalizes false claims of military valor.

When repeatedly asked if he had any comment before the Thursday morning arraignment, Alvarez wouldn't answer and just kept looking to the left, the right or downward.

After the hearing date was set, Alvarez again wouldn't answer when asked if he had any comment and went to the elevator.

Deputy District Attorney Edward Miller said "it was pretty much a standard proceeding."

*photo found on Claremont Insider blog