Last Friday former Kern County Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner was 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), which he pleaded guilty to all five counts.
The California Department of Justice has filed a felony complaint against Zachary Scrivner, filed in Kern County, California, and accuses him of child abuse under Penal Code Section 273a(a). This law makes it illegal to put a child in danger in a way that could cause serious injury or death. The charges are based on events that allegedly happened on April 23, 2024.
A complaint is a legal document that formally initiates a criminal case. It is filed by the prosecution (such as a district attorney or attorney general) and outlines the charges against a defendant, the laws allegedly violated, and a brief description of the facts supporting those charges.
The complaint against Scrivner outlines two accusations: Inappropriate contact and firearm endangerment.
According to the complaint, Scrivner allegedly engaged in actions that endangered a child’s health and safety under circumstances likely to cause great bodily harm (GBI) or death.
Count 1: Child Abuse (Penal Code 273a(a))
Scrivner is accused of willfully endangering a child’s health and safety under conditions likely to cause great bodily harm (GBI) or death. Allegations include inappropriate physical contact with the child while under the influence of mind- or mood-altering substances. The prosecution argues the child was particularly vulnerable, an aggravating factor that could increase sentencing.
Count 2: Child Abuse (Firearm-Related Endangerment)
Scrivner allegedly introduced firearms into a situation where the child might try to gain control of the weapon or prevent Scrivner from harming himself. This led to a struggle over the firearm, which seriously aggravated an existing injury to the child.
Count 3: Child Abuse (Further Firearm-Related Injury)
A separate but related charge of firearm-related child endangerment. The complaint states the child suffered unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering due to Scrivner’s actions. The prosecution highlights that the child was placed in a dangerous situation, further endangering their health and safety.
Count 4: Illegal Possession of an Assault Weapon (Penal Code 30605(a))
Scrivner is accused of illegally possessing a prohibited firearm in California: Century Arms Semi-Automatic AK-47-style rifle (C39V2, 7.62x39mm caliber).
Count 5: Illegal Possession of an Assault Weapon (Penal Code 30605(a))
Scrivner is also charged with possessing a second illegal firearm: Colt Semi-Automatic AR-15-style rifle (M4 Carbine, 5.56x45mm caliber).
On Tuesday, days after the California Department of Justice charged Scrivner, California Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke publicly for the first time about the charges filed against former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner during a press conference in Sacramento, CA. Where Bonta addressed questions about why the investigation took months to charge Scrivner.
Bonta noted the effort put into the investigation, he stated, “We made sure to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation, reviewing all evidence, speaking with witnesses and victims, and considering every detail to reach a fair and appropriate conclusion.”
Here is the copy of the complaint https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Complaint%2095612959_R_2_Redacted_0.pdf.
A preliminary hearing is set on May 1, 2025. Where the court will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Last Friday, the court released him on his own recognizance, determining that Scrivner was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community.
