DOWNEY – Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez can continue in her role on City Council despite her criminal history, including a conviction for welfare fraud, the city attorney said.

Concerns over Alvarez’s eligibility to sit with the city’s leadership rose earlier this year when the councilwoman’s criminal history was made public.

Alvarez is known to have convictions of welfare fraud, perjury, and stealing from the Michael’s craft store at the Downey Landing.

As such, the city hired an outside law firm to investigate and advise the council on the matter.

At the council meeting on last week, City Attorney Yvette Abich Garcia gave the results of that investigation.

“After reviewing the matter, the city’s outside attorneys have concluded that Councilmember Alvarez may continue to serve on the Downey City Council,” said Garcia.

Alvarez was elected to the City Council last November.