Scrivner’s Secrets: What are the unanswered questions in the Scrivner investigation and why?

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Despite being an officer facing very public allegations of child sexual assault, much of District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner’s case remains private.

Kern County residents are visibly upset with Scrivner, with some calling for his resignation and others planning a protest against what they see as special treatment.

Yet Scrivner remained silent.

He has said nothing about resigning and has not been arrested or charged.

Following allegations of sexual assault on a minor two weeks ago, Supervisor Scrivner is suddenly on medical leave.

The reason and duration were not disclosed because the county said the information would violate medical and privacy rights.

Interim Administrator Elsa Martinez told 17 News the county was alerted by a statement from Scrivner’s attorney, which local media also found out.

“The county has not received independent notification of Supervisor Scrivner’s medical leave of absence,” Martinez said in a statement. “As always, District 2 staff will continue to respond to voter inquiries during this time.”

While he holds the seat, Scrivner will receive the supervisor’s base monthly salary of about $9,500.

District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores; District 4 Supervisor and Board Chairman David Couch; and a spokeswoman for District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez told 17 News they learned of Scrivner’s departure through the news.

They also said there was no formal notification from the county and they did not know the length or details of their colleague’s absence.

For any current board member, dealing with a vacancy or an ongoing investigation like Scrivner is new territory.

“For each answer, we have a different question,” Supervisor Couch told 17 News over the phone.

And on Tuesday, Scriver was absent from the board’s first meeting since the allegations became known.

“Zimmer, Kern County District Attorney, called the sheriff directly to report a psychotic incident involving a gun with her nephew, Supervisor Scrivner, and of course the rest that we are all familiar with,” Noe Garcia said from the Dolores Huerta Foundation and called for accountability and transparency from the county.

That conflict of interest — the prosecutor is Scrivner’s aunt — led to the case being handled outside the district by the state attorney general’s office.

And that family relationship has led to speculation that Scrivner may be receiving special treatment from other county officials.

Scrivner’s estranged wife, Christina Scrivner, filed for a permanent restraining order.

The reasons for her request were set out in an almost entirely redacted document, at the order of Judge Tanya Richard.

Court officials said the order granting the redaction was confidential.

And 17 News understands search warrants were issued, but those warrants were sealed.

Court clerks said they could not confirm that it existed, who sealed it or why.

And there are still more questions left unanswered.

• Where is Zack Scrivner? Why can’t the public know the whereabouts of the elected official?
• Why wasn’t he arrested?
• Will he be charged?
• What is the status of the investigation?
• Who is responsible? KCSO? Just the Attorney General?
• Who asked the AG to take over the case?
• Can the public prosecutor’s office be treated with complete restraint?
• What exactly was said between Prosecutor Zimmer and Sheriff Youngblood?
• What exactly happened? Did he sexually assault a minor?
• Is his vacation for physical or mental reasons?
• How long will Scrivner be away?

The sheriff’s office said Scrivner questions should be directed to the attorney general’s office.

In a statement to 17 News, the AG’s office wrote, “At this time we can only confirm that we are reviewing the case, but we will be happy to keep you updated as updates become available.”

Supervisor Couch noted that he has asked the County Counsel to provide more clarity on how the County will handle board vacancies. Answers are expected at the next board meeting.