Sheriff alleges preferential treatment for ex-county supervisor charged with child abuse, weapons possession

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Controversy has exploded in Bakersfield, AZ after a spate of charges were announced against former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner in connection with an incident at his home in April 2024 that saw the politician stabbed twice in the chest and accused of sexually assaulting a child.

Speaking with KGET, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood told the outlet he was disappointed with the charging decision against Scrivner. He explained that since the incident 10 months ago, the California Department of Justice brought five felony charges against Scrivner for child abuse and weapons possession. Although the charging documents describe a sex crime, there were no charges related to the allegations of sexual assault.

According to the text of the complaint Scrivner was accused of “willfully and unlawfully, under circumstances and conditions likely to produce great bodily harm and death, to wit: sexually penetrate, injure, cause, and permit a child, to suffer and to be inflicted with unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering.”
 
Nexstar CA reporter Eytan Wallace revealed in a report posted to X, “The complaint says Scrivner took mind-altering substances, got in bed with a child and touched them inappropriately. It also says he illegally possessed an AK-47 style rifle and an AR-15 style rifle. Scrivner denies the allegations and entered a not guilty plea.”
 
Sheriff Youngblood told KGET, that Scrivner “was treated differently from the very beginning because he was the sitting supervisor, he is the nephew of the sitting district attorney.” He told the outlet, “I wouldn’t be standing up here if we didn’t believe something occurred.”

Scrivner's wife Christina said in a statement to the outlet, “Learning of the recent charges have been a very encouraging step towards safety and justice for my children. At this time, I remain focused on  my children and their needs and we have no further information to share. My children and I will continue to cooperate with all law enforcement agencies and remain confident that the truth will be revealed as the facts in this case navigate our justice system.”
 
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