Joliet Councilman Juan Moreno will likely stay on the City Council at least through October.

Will County Judge Jessica Lynch on Friday denied an attempt to temporarily remove Moreno from the council until a trial.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a complaint alleging that Moreno had not established Joliet residency before running for office. Lynch said the earliest date for the next hearing on the case would be in early November.

“I’m obviously happy with today’s decision,” Moreno said after the hearing.

“I look forward to keep working for the people of Joliet. I was duly elected. I’m not happy with what’s going on,” he added. “I think it’s a smear campaign.”

Asked who he thinks is behind this campaign, Moreno said, “I don’t know who’s behind it and what’s the motive.”

This is a developing a story. Will be updated.