Prosecutors have said that a Los Angeles city councilman and his wife were charged Wednesday with perjury and voter fraud for allegedly lying about where they live.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that Richard Alarcon and Flora Montes de Oca were released after entering not guilty pleas. Prosecutors unsealed a 24-count indictment.

A 15-month investigation found Alarcon falsely claimed to be living in a house in Panorama City in his district while actually living elsewhere, Prosecutors have said.

Alarcon, before appearing in court, attended a council meeting. He gave notes to other members asking them not to rush to judgment.

He said, "It is critical that everyone understands that the charges filed against me and my wife today relate to where we live, not to the work that I do as an elected council member. I have not been accused of any wrongdoing in office and there has never been a moment when I did not work my hardest to represent my community, to meet its needs and to solve its problems."

It has also been reported that in addition to voter fraud and perjury, Alarcon is charged with misstating his place of residence when he filed as a candidate in 2006 and 2008. (With Inputs from Agencies)