BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County District Attorney's office confirmed that it has opened an investigation into Kern County Fair officials following a state audit.
In August, The California Department of Food and Agriculture's released the audit stating that a "California county fair" misused state resources and violated multiple state laws.
While the state audit didn't specifically name the Kern County Fair , it says a fair CEO and maintenance supervisor allowed and often participated in the gross mismanagement of funds, including making purchases that had no receipts, excessive and illegal out-of-state travel expenses, expensive dinners, alcohol purchases, large tips and more.
The Kern County District Attorney's office said it learned about the audit last week and fair board members confirmed with them that the audit was "likely" about the Kern County Fair.
The D.A.'s office said that there may be possible civil and/or criminal charges filed. The district attorney also said the investigation will not impact next year's fair.
Last week, the Kern County Fair responded the the audit saying:
"Due to California whistleblower law, we are unable to disclose the name of the fair that was the subject of the State Auditor’s report last month.”
23ABC reached out to the California Department of Food and Agriculture to confirm if the audit is, in fact, about the Kern County Fair-- but have not heard back.
You can read the full audit below:
