Former Kern County Supervisor Zachary Scrivner appears in court during his mental health diversion hearing in Bakersfield, Calif., Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains is asking federal authorities to intervene in the criminal case against former Kern County Supervisor Zachary Scrivner after a judge granted him mental health diversion despite multiple felony charges.
Bains, a Democrat representing the 35th Assembly District, said she sent letters this week to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and U.S. Attorney Eric Grant requested a federal review of the case.
Scrivner faces three felony counts of child cruelty and two felony counts of possessing an assault weapon, according to the California Attorney General’s Office.
Scrivner was granted mental health diversion Friday in Kern County Superior Court. If he successfully completes the program, the criminal case will be dismissed.
Mental health diversion allows some criminal cases to be paused while a defendant receives treatment.
Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing Scrivner was not eligible for diversion and posed a public safety risk. The judge disagreed after reviewing medical evaluations and court records, ruling that 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 comply with all court orders. He also waived his right to a speedy trial.
The case is scheduled to return to court Jan. 29, 2026, for a progress hearing. If Scrivner fails to follow the program’s requirements, the criminal case could resume.
Bains said the decision raises questions about fairness in the justice system and appears to be part of a pattern in which powerful people accused of harming children receive more lenient treatment.
“Wealth, status and power cannot continue to shield child predators from accountability,” Bains said. “Whether you’re a politician or an everyday citizen, if you sexually abuse a child, you must face the full consequences of your actions.”
In her letter to Dhillon, Bains asked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to examine whether Scrivner violated federal civil rights laws.
She said Scrivner’s role as a former elected official could warrant review for possible abuse of authority or public trust. She also asked Grant to review whether federal child abuse, exploitation or firearms laws could apply.
The case began after an April 23, 2024, incident at Scrivner’s home in Tehachapi. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the home after reports that Scrivner was experiencing a mental health crisis and was armed with a gun. Authorities later said one of his children stabbed him while trying to protect a sibling. Investigators have said the case involved allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
The following day, deputies searched the home and seized about 30 firearms, electronic devices and psychedelic mushrooms, according to law enforcement.
Bains said mental health diversion can be appropriate in some cases but should not apply to serious crimes involving children.
“It was designed to help people get treatment and rehabilitation,” she said. “It was not designed to provide an escape from accountability for crimes against children.”
Bains also questioned the timing of the court’s decision, which occurred the Friday before Christmas, and said she will continue pushing for further review.
“This is not over,” she said.
