After months of investigation by the California Department of Justice, former Kern County Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner has been formally charged on Friday with five felony counts including three counts of willful cruelty to a child (Penal Code 273A(A)) and two counts of possession of an assault rifle (Penal Code 30605).
Zack Scrivner’s felony arraignment is scheduled for today, February 14, at 3:00 PM.
At this arraignment, Scrivner will be formally presented with the charges against him, and he will have the opportunity to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
“No one is above the law,” said Attorney General Bonta in a press release announcing Scrivner’s charges. “At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to fight for the people of California and hold those who break the law accountable.”
The investigation began after Kern County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call on April 23, 2024 from District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, Scrivner’s aunt, reporting that he was experiencing a “psychotic episode” and was armed. By the time deputies arrived, Scrivner had been disarmed.
During their response, authorities discovered that a physical altercation had taken place between Scrivner and his children, resulting in Scrivner being stabbed twice in the upper torso. Sheriff Donny Youngblood later stated in a press conference that the stabbing occurred because one of Scrivner’s children was defending a sibling from an alleged assault.
In a search of Scrivner’s Tehachapi home led investigators to seize 30 firearms, potential evidence of sexual assault, psychedelic mushrooms, and electronic devices. No arrests were made. Given the involvement of Scrivner’s aunt as the district attorney, the case was referred to the California Attorney General for review.
On July 10, 2024 Scrivner submitted his resignation to the Kern County Board of Supervisors, citing “significant health and medical issues” without addressing the allegations. His resignation was effective August 2. His attorney has denied all accusations, and Scrivener’s whereabouts were unknown.
