Hialeah appoints interim councilwoman following Angelica Pacheco’s arrest

After Angelica Pacheco’s removal from office following her arrest on federal healthcare fraud charges, the city of Hialeah has appointed 38-year-old Melinda De La Vega as an interim council member.

De La Vega will hold the position until a special election is conducted in November 2025 to elect a permanent council member.

Although De La Vega lacks political experience, she currently serves as vice president of the Hialeah Lions Club, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the elderly, individuals with special needs, and families in need. Her community service background is considered a valuable asset, according to council members. De La Vega has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and human resources and is a member of Hialeah’s Historic Preservation Board.

De La Vega’s appointment was approved with five votes in favor from Jesus Tundidor, Monica Perez, Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, Carl Zogby, and Luis Rodriguez, while Bryan Calvo was the sole dissenting vote. Calvo criticized the timing of the special council meeting, which was scheduled for mid-July, arguing that the council should have convened earlier after Pacheco’s removal on June 25.