Former Kern County Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner, who is charged 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) has pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
The court released him on his own recognizance, meaning he is not considered a flight risk or a danger to the community.
A preliminary hearing is set on May 1, 2025. Where where the court will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Civil case for a child custody hearing is set on March 10, 2025. Where witnesses are expected to testify.
The court issued a criminal protective order for the family members and ordered Scrivner to surrender all firearms within 24 hours.
Scrivner’s defense team is claiming that they have not been given access to evidence in the case from the Attorney General.
The judge agreed to have the police reports in Scrivner’s case to be sealed, meaning they are not available to the public or the media.
If convicted, Scrivner’s attorney, H.A. Sala, does not believe he would have to register as a sex offender, as the charges do not specifically fall under Penal Code 288 (lewd acts with a minor).
Scrivner’s attorney, H.A. Sala, holding a press conference in front of the Kern County Superior Court building after Zack Scrivner’s felony arraignment. Scrivner plead not guilty to all five felony charges and is released on his own recognizance.
Timeline of Zack Scrivner Case:
•April 23, 2024 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responds to a call at Scrivner’s Tehachapi home. His aunt, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, reports that he is experiencing a “psychotic episode” and is armed with a gun.
•April 23, 2024 (Late Night) – Deputies arrive, secure the gun, and begin investigating. They discover that Scrivner had been stabbed twice by one of his children, who was allegedly protecting a sibling from a sexual assault.
•April 24, 2024 – KCSO searches Scrivner’s home, seizing 30 firearms, electronic devices, psychedelic mushrooms, and possible evidence of sexual assault.
•April 25, 2024 – Sheriff Donny Youngblood holds a press conference, confirming an ongoing investigation and stating, “I wouldn’t be standing here if we didn’t believe something had occurred.”
•April 27, 2024 – The Kern County Board of Supervisors holds a meeting, where members of the public demand Scrivner’s resignation.
•May 7, 2024 – No charges have been filed yet, but the California Attorney General’s Office agrees to review the case.
•July 10, 2024 – Scrivner submits his resignation letter to the Kern County Board of Supervisors, citing “significant health and medical issues” but not mentioning the allegations.
•August 2, 2024 – Scrivner’s resignation officially takes effect.
•February 14, 2025 – The California Attorney General’s Office charges Scrivner with five felonies: Three counts of willful cruelty to a child (PC 273A(A)) and two counts of possession of an assault rifle (PC 30605)
•Felony arraignment takes place at 3:00 PM. Scrivner pleads not guilty and is released on his own recognizance.
•March 10, 2025 – Civil case hearing, where witnesses are expected to testify.
•May 1, 2025 – Preliminary hearing, where the judge will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
