Downey hires law firm after Councilwoman Alvarez's criminal past is revealed

DOWNEY — The City of Downey will hire an outside law firm as it considers any potential action against Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez, whose criminal history was revealed last week on Facebook and Monday by The Downey Patriot.

“The city is in receipt of the information that has been publicly released and the city has retained an outside law firm to provide this council with advice regarding that information,” Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. “I also would like to let the residents know that typically cities do not require background checks on candidates and there's no legal requirement to do so. However, I have asked our city attorney to look at this issue and to advise the council.

“This matter is concerning and this is a serious matter. Therefore, I will not be making any additional comments on this issue. Any further inquiries will be referred to our city attorney's office.”

Alvarez’s known criminal past includes convictions for welfare fraud, perjury and stealing from Michaels, the crafts store at Downey Landing.

She was elected to the City Council last November.