WASCO, Calif. (KERO) — On Thursday morning, Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia announced his resignation from Wasco's City Council through a press release.
Wasco City Manager Scott Hurlbert confirmed the city received a call from Garcia regarding his plans to resign and shortly thereafter received Garcia's official letter of resignation, effective immediately.
Garcia's resignation comes after a Facebook post that shows him being assaulted by two people, who allege he was trying to meet a minor for sexual acts.
23ABC reached out to Garcia directly for comment after receiving the release but has not heard back as of posting this article.
At this time, no charges have been filed against Garcia or the two people seen assaulting him in the Facebook post, however, Wasco PD confirmed late last week that Bakersfield Police is investigating the matter because of the high probability that the incident occurred in Bakersfield.
A spokesperson for BPD said via text that they have reached out to all of the parties involved in the incident, but have not received a response.
With news of Garcia's departure from the City Council, Hurlbert says the city is working through state guidelines to determine what they need to do regarding Garcia's vacated seat before the next election in November, but it boils down to three options. The city could appoint a new council member after an interview process, they could be required to hold a special election, or the council could operate with an empty seat until the community votes this fall.
"In the past, when similar circumstances occurred the council chose to appoint someone and that would be my expectation. It would not be my expectation that, that would take place next Tuesday, that would be a future meeting and there's an interview process that needs to take place as well."
Hurlbert confirmed that at the next Council Meeting on August 6th, Council Members will appoint a new mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore from the remaining council members.
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The statement from Garcia reads in full:
To the Citizens of Wasco,
As I have been healing following my recent assault, I am now finally able to speak with you to announce, with a heavy heart and profound regret, my resignation as Mayor and Council Member of the City of Wasco.
As many of you are aware, there is a situation that requires my personal and full attention. I want to assure you that the accusations made against me are mischaracterized and inaccurate and certainly do not reflect who I am or what I stand for. However, due to the controversy surrounding these allegations, I am left with no choice but to resign for the overall health and success of our great City to ensure that you can continue moving projects along and making positive changes with no distractions. I am thankful for all those who have stood by me and sent supportive messages during this time, as I have healed from my injuries and processed this difficult decision.
I have had the pleasure of serving as your Mayor for the better part of the past decade and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I thank you immensely for the privilege of servicing this wonderful community and I am deeply sorry that my term is ending under these circumstances. I am looking forward to witnessing the future of Wasco and all the new Council will have to offer, and I will continue to root for and support this city and its amazing citizens.
Thank you again,
Alex Garcia
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