KERN COUNTY, Calif. (KERO) — Former Kern County Supervisor Zachary Scrivner has plead not guilty to 5 felonies including 3 counts of willful cruelty to a child and 2 counts of possession of an assault rifle.
Scrivner was in court on Friday. He was released on "recognizance" which is a type of bail that allows someone to be released from jail without paying cash, but with the promise to appear in court.
The court ordered Scrivner to surrender all firearms within 24 hours, and to stay away from his kids and estranged wife.
23ABC asked Scrivner's attorney H.A. Sala if he would have to register as a sex offender if he is found guilty on all child abuse charges, to which we were told "I don't think so."
23ABC also asked the DOJ lawyer Joseph Penny the same question and were told to refer that question to the state DOJ Public Information Officer.
“No one is above the law,” said California Attorney General Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to fight for the people of California and hold those who break the law accountable.”
Scrivner's Tehachapi home was searched in April 2024. Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said Scrivner was stabbed following an accusation of sexually assaulting one of his children.
Youngblood said he received a call from Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer on Tuesday night that she was concerned about her nephew, Scrivner. Youngblood added that she told him he was having a psychotic episode and said he was armed with a gun.
WATCH OUR ORIGINAL STORY OF THE SEARCH OF THE SCRIVNER HOME BELOW:
Deputies responded to his home in Tehachapi and learned that Scrivner had been stabbed twice in the upper body, per Youngblood. He was then taken to the hospital for his injuries.
During the search of his home, deputies took approximately 30 guns and possible evidence of the assault and possible sexual assault.
In a separate press conference the lawyer representing Scrivner, H.A. Sala, denied the claims of sexual assault.
After being absent from Kern County Supervisor meetings for months, Scrivner later resigned in August citing health and medical reasons.
23ABC received a statement from Scrivner's estranged wife, Christina, saying "Learning of the recent charges have been a very encouraging step towards safety and justice for my children. At this time, I remain focused on my children and their needs and we have no further information to share. My children and I will continue to cooperate with all law enforcement agencies and remain confident that the truth will be revealed as the facts in this case navigate our justice system."
The next court hearing is scheduled to by on May 1st.
To check our previous coverage of the Scrivner incident check out these stories:
Kern County Supervisor's home searched by KCSO
KCSO: Scrivner stabbed after accusation of sexually assaulting his child
Zack Scrivner on medical leave of absence, billboards featuring him to be changed in June
Scrivner absent during Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting
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