Kern County Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner is under investigation for alleged sexual assault on one of his children, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood held a press conference Thursday afternoon regarding Scrivner about a physical altercation that happened in his Tehachapi home Tuesday night. There were reports by multiple news sites that Scrivner’s Tehachapi home was searched by KCSO Wednesday morning.
Sheriff Youngblood said on Tuesday night approximately at 11 p.m. he received a call from District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, Scrivner’s aunt, that she was concerned about her nephew and he was having “some type of a psychotic episode.” Zimmer told Youngblood that Scrivner was armed with a gun. Shortly after, Zimmer called Youngblood back to let deputies know that Scrivner was disarmed before arriving at the home.
Upon arriving, deputies secured a gun and started an investigation.
During their investigation, they learned that Scrivner had a physical altercation with his children and Scrivner was stabbed twice in his upper torso. Youngblood said the physical altercation occurred because Scrivner allegedly sexually assaulted one of his children.
“The child was protecting the other child from what he believed occurred,” said Youngblood.
The ages of the children were undisclosed.
Scrivner was treated with non-life-threatening injuries at Kern Medical.
Deputies called detectives to further the investigation and obtained a search warrant. Detectives seized 30 firearms, possible evidence of sexual assault, psychedelic mushrooms, and electronic devices, Youngblood said.
Youngblood confirmed there have been no arrests made. The investigation is ongoing and not near completed, he said.
“We still have interviews to conduct, and forensic evaluations to make. This [investigation] could be a lengthy process…” said Youngblood. “I wouldn’t be standing here if we didn’t believe something had occurred.”
Scrivener’s attorney H.A. Sala held a separate conference to address the allegations against Scrivner and denied the sexual allegations.
“We have a reasonable basis to believe and conclude that that allegation is absolutely not reliable. It’s not true. It did not occur.” Sala said Scrivner has been distraught over his pending divorce from his wife.
Both the KCSO and Salas stated that due to Scrivner’s aunt’s position as the district attorney, the attorney general and another county were reached out to review the evidence after concluding the investigation.
Following the press conference with KCSO, District 4 Chairman David Couch issued a statement regarding Scrivner: “The Kern County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference today about Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner. Because this is an ongoing Sheriff’s Office investigation it is inappropriate for County officials or staff to comment. All questions for comments or requests for information should be directed to the Sheriff’s Office. As always, our employees will continue to provide the vital quality of life services our residents expect and deserve.”
Watch the full live press conference on Kern Sol News Instagram here.
