CA Attorney General's Office Challenges Mental Health Diversion for Former Supervisor

Zack Scrivner granted diversion despite felony abuse and weapon charges

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The California Attorney General's Office is challenging a superior court's decision to grant mental health diversion to former Kern County supervisor Zack Scrivner. Scrivner was accused of sexually assaulting one of his children and had 30 firearms seized from his home, including an AK-47 and AR-15. The defense argued that if Scrivner complies with treatment, the charges could eventually be dismissed.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the use of mental health diversion programs for individuals accused of serious crimes, especially those involving violence and firearms. There are concerns that such programs may not adequately protect public safety, particularly when dealing with high-profile defendants.

The details

In April 2024, Scrivner was accused of sexually assaulting one of his four children at his Tehachapi home. Detectives obtained a search warrant and seized 30 firearms from Scrivner's residence, including an AK-47 style rifle and an AR-15 rifle. Scrivner stepped down from his position as a Kern County supervisor in August 2024. A mental health diversion motion for Scrivner's case was granted on December 19, 2025, but the California Attorney General's Office has now filed a petition to challenge this decision.

  • In April 2024, Scrivner was accused of sexually assaulting one of his children.
  • In August 2024, Scrivner stepped down from his position as a Kern County supervisor.
  • On December 19, 2025, a mental health diversion motion for Scrivner's case was granted.

The players

Zack Scrivner

Former Kern County supervisor who was accused of sexually assaulting one of his children and had 30 firearms seized from his home.

California Attorney General's Office

The state agency that is challenging the superior court's decision to grant mental health diversion to Zack Scrivner.

Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains

A Democratic state assemblymember from Delano who released a statement criticizing the delay in charging Scrivner with a sex crime.

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What they’re saying

“What took so long? The DOJ had enough evidence to describe the sexual assault of a child by Zack Scrivner in court documents, but then they didn't charge him with a sex crime. This injustice must be reversed, and I'm glad the DOJ finally agrees.”

— Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (Instagram)

What’s next

The California Attorney General's Office has filed a petition for a writ of mandate in the Fifth District Court of Appeal to challenge the superior court's decision to grant mental health diversion to Zack Scrivner.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the use of mental health diversion programs, especially for defendants accused of serious crimes involving violence and firearms. The challenge by the California Attorney General's Office suggests concerns that such programs may not adequately protect public safety in high-profile cases.