SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — A criminal charge against a San Jose City Council District 8 candidate was dismissed Friday.

Tam Truong was previously charged with grand larceny for using his position as a police officer to defraud mortgage companies of more than half a million dollars.

The private security firm he owns was also sued for alleged wage theft.

Truong issued a statement declaring his innocence, writing:

“As a police sergeant, I have always had faith in the criminal justice system. Because I am completely innocent, I always knew this would be the outcome. I want to thank my friends and family who have stood by me and especially my neighbors and supporters in District 8 who have never wavered in their support of our campaign for safer streets to end homelessness on street and to make City Hall work better for everyone. between us.”

But Truong is still embroiled in a civil case involving real estate.

Truong is a sergeant with the San Jose Police Department, but was on administrative leave and had his officer certification temporarily suspended.

PREVIOUS STORY: Residents demand that SJ City Council candidate Tam Truong step down amid criminal investigation

Truong runs against Domingo Candelas in the District 8 race.

Despite the allegations and the loss of key endorsements, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Truong remains in the city council race.

Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office he said earlier this weekmore than 100,000 ballots are processed and Truong remains a candidate.

“The election is still happening, we are still certifying and there is a winner,” said Evelyn Mendez, public information officer for the Registrar of Voters. “The winner, if they want to resign, they can, if someone wants to recall them, it’s a different process. But, the ballots still count, and we’re still certifying the election as it stands with the ballots that have already been cast.”