Attorney: Scrivner is out on medical leave

JOHN COX, The Bakersfield Californian
·2 min read

The lawyer representing Zack Scrivner against accusations he sexually assaulted one of his children announced Wednesday the Kern County supervisor is on a medical leave of absence — and that the county's top appointed official was informed of the status Monday.

Attorney H.A. Sala's statement followed a day after members of the public called on Scrivner to resign, even as there has been no word on his whereabouts beyond confirmation he is not in custody, nor has he been charged with a crime. Interim County Administrative Officer Elsa Martinez made no mention of the supervisor's medical leave during Tuesday's board meeting.

Sala's three-sentence announcement Wednesday afternoon included a statement that no further information will be provided for the time being. He did not immediately respond to a request for elaboration.

Sheriff's deputies were sent April 23 to Scrivner's home in Tehachapi after his aunt, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, called Sheriff Donny Youngblood to report her nephew was suffering from a "psychotic and possible suicidal" episode. Scrivner was later treated at Kern Medical for stabbing wounds that Youngblood said one of the supervisor's children inflicted in an act of sibling defense.

Youngblood told reporters April 25 Scrivner is suspected of sexual assault. In addition to removing 30 firearms from the residence, the sheriff said deputies seized a small quantity of psychedelic mushrooms and electronic devices. The state Attorney General's Office has since said it has agreed to review the case because of a possible conflict of interest involving Zimmer.

Martinez told The Californian late Tuesday it would be inappropriate to disclose whether Scrivner had applied for any kind of leave program.

She said by email her understanding was that the Family and Medical Leave Act doesn't apply to people not subject to civil service rules and who hold public elective office, both of which apply to county supervisors.

The interim CAO also noted a supervisor's seat can become vacant if the person who holds it "is adjudicated in a quo warrantor proceeding to be physically or mentally incapacitated due to disease, illness or accident."