San Luis Councilman De La Hoya Pleads No Contest in Fleeing Case, Sentencing April 23

San Luis City Councilman Tadeo De La Hoya changed his plea to no contest on a criminal charge of fleeing from law enforcement in Yuma County court on March 20, with sentencing now set for April 23.

De La Hoya had previously entered a not guilty plea on the single count, which stems from an incident last year. The change-of-plea hearing marks a significant shift in his legal posture as he awaits a sentencing date that falls roughly five weeks out.

The timing adds a complicated layer to De La Hoya's public profile. Also serving as President of the Gadsden School District Governing Board, he announced earlier this week that he is running for Mayor of San Luis this year, a campaign launch that came just days before he appeared in court to change his plea.

No details about a plea agreement, sentencing recommendation, or the specific circumstances of the fleeing incident have been made public. The charge classification, whether misdemeanor or felony under Arizona law, has not been confirmed in court records available to this outlet, nor has the name of the presiding judge or formal case number. De La Hoya's defense attorney has not issued a public statement, and the Yuma County Attorney's Office has not commented on any recommended sentence.

The San Luis City Council and Gadsden School District Governing Board have not publicly addressed whether De La Hoya's legal situation affects his standing in either role.

De La Hoya is scheduled to return to Yuma County court on April 23 for sentencing.