Former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner walks out of Kern County Superior Court on Friday after a judge granted him mental health diversion.

Former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner was granted mental health diversion Friday morning in Superior Court. If he completes the program, the case will be dismissed.

Scrivner faces multiple criminal charges, including child endangerment and firearm-related offenses. 

A judge ruled Scrivner qualifies for the program under California law, which allows some criminal cases to be paused while a defendant receives mental health treatment.

Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing Scrivner was not eligible and raised public safety concerns. The judge disagreed after reviewing medical evaluations and court records.

The court said Scrivner has diagnosed mental health conditions and does not pose an unreasonable risk to public safety if treated in the community.

As part of the diversion program, Scrivner must continue psychiatric care, attend weekly therapy, remain sober, submit to random drug and alcohol testing and follow all court orders.

Scrivner agreed to the program and waived his right to a speedy trial.

Scrivner’s attorney, H.A. Sala, said the judge’s decision followed state law and legislative intent.

“We feel it was an appropriate decision,” Sala said. “It was the right decision based on the facts and circumstances of the case.”

Sala said Scrivner is required to continue mental health treatment and provide regular progress reports to the court.

“He has to continue mental health counseling with a psychiatrist and a therapist and provide periodic reports showing he’s in compliance,” Sala said.

Sala also noted that prosecutors did not present a competing mental health evaluation.

“They had every opportunity to present a rebuttal to our expert’s opinions, and they did not,” he said.

The case will return to court Jan. 29, 2026, for a progress check. If Scrivner does not follow the rules, the criminal case could move forward.

The case is from an incident at Scrivner’s Tehachapi home on April 23, 2024, when the Kern County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting he was experiencing a mental health crisis and was armed with a gun.

Deputies secured the firearm and began investigating. Authorities later said Scrivner had been stabbed by one of his children, who investigators believe was trying to protect a sibling.

The following day, sheriff’s deputies searched the home and seized about 30 firearms, electronic devices and psychedelic mushrooms, according to law enforcement.

Sheriff Donny Youngblood later confirmed the investigation during a press conference, saying at the time, “I wouldn’t be standing here if we didn’t believe something had occurred.”

Public pressure grew in the weeks that followed, with residents calling for Scrivner’s resignation during a Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting.

In July 2024, Scrivner submitted a resignation letter citing health and medical issues. His resignation took effect in August 2024.

The California Attorney General’s Office filed charges in February 2025, accusing Scrivner of three felony counts of child cruelty and two felony counts of possessing an assault weapon.