Norwalk

Former City Administrator William H. Kraus, under federal indictment for alleged fraud, says he is launching an “exploratory effort” to decide if he will seek a seat on the City Council in April.

Kraus said Tuesday that he is talking to community residents about a possible council candidacy and that he will make up his mind by December. Three council members, Mayor Marcial (Rod) Rodriguez, Lou Banas and Cecil Green, face reelection. So far only one candidate, Grace Musquiz Napolitano, has announced that she will challenge the incumbents.

In March, Kraus became one of eight persons charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud and aiding and abetting mail fraud, with each count carrying a penalty of five years in prison and $1,000 to $10,000 in fines. The charges are in connection with an alleged scheme that prosecutors say bilked investors of more than $1.4 million. Kraus had resigned as city administrator in August, 1983.

Kraus, who has pleaded innocent to the charges, predicted Tuesday he would be exonerated, saying, “I know in my own mind that I did absolutely nothing wrong.” His trial was to begin this fall, but has been delayed.