The California Attorney General’s Office has filed felony charges against former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner, following serious allegations of child abuse and illegal possession of firearms. The charges were announced on Friday after the state took over the investigation from the Kern County District Attorney’s office due to a conflict of interest, as the district attorney is Scrivner’s aunt.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, “No one is above the law,” emphasizing the commitment of the California Department of Justice to uphold legal accountability. Scrivner is facing three felony counts of child abuse and two counts related to the unlawful possession of assault weapons. The charges were officially filed in Kern County Superior Court, where Scrivner was scheduled for arraignment later that day.
The investigation, described as extensive, was prompted by allegations that Scrivner sexually assaulted one of his children. Reports indicate that on April 23, 2024, a concerning incident occurred at his home in Tehachapi. Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood revealed that Scrivner was armed and appeared to be experiencing a psychotic episode. During this incident, he was reportedly stabbed twice by one of his children amid allegations of abuse. At the time, Scrivner’s four minor children were present in the home.
Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Scrivner’s residence, resulting in the seizure of 30 firearms, psychedelic mushrooms, electronic devices, and evidence potentially related to the sexual assault allegations. The complaint filed by the state alleges that Scrivner engaged in inappropriate conduct with a child after consuming mood-altering substances. Furthermore, he is accused of brandishing a firearm, leading to a struggle with one of his children.
Before his resignation in August, Scrivner had served on the Kern County Board of Supervisors since 2010, representing a district that includes Bakersfield and several other communities. His resignation came amid the escalating criminal investigation, although he cited “significant health and medical reasons” as the cause, without addressing the allegations directly.
Scrivner’s attorney has publicly denied the sexual assault claims, asserting that they possess evidence that contradicts the sheriff’s allegations. However, the attorney was unavailable for comment at the time of the announcement of the charges.
The unfolding case has drawn significant public attention, with calls from Kern County residents for Scrivner’s resignation prior to the formal charges being announced. The board of supervisors has refrained from commenting on Scrivner’s situation, citing the ongoing investigation as a reason for their silence. As the legal proceedings move forward, the community awaits further developments in this serious and troubling case.