Clayton Vice Mayor Convicted Of Embezzlement

CLAYTON (CBS/AP) - The vice mayor of a small Contra Costa County city faces an uncertain future after he was found guilty of felony embezzlement.

Clayton Vice Mayor Joe Medrano was convicted by a San Mateo County jury Thursday.

The insurance broker is one of five candidates running for three open seats on the Clayton City Council in the Nov. 6 election.

The city council must decide whether to remove Medrano from office immediately or let voters decide his fate.

Medrano is accused of taking $159,000 in premiums from a Silicon Valley company but never forwarding the money to the insurance agency.

Medrano's attorney says his client will file an appeal.

If convicted, Medrano faces up to four years in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.