UPDATE July 17, 2018, 11:40 a.m.: A statement was released Tuesday morning by Leticia Perez through the office of her attorney H.A. Sala. The statement read:
The statutes alleged to have been violated are designed to ensure compliance with the Political Reform Act of 1974. It is the mission of the Fair Political Practices Commission to enforce its provisions.
A purpose of the Political Reform Act and specifically Government Code sections 87100 is to prevent a government official from participating in decisions where it appears the official may not be totally objective because the outcome is reasonably foreseeable to have a material financial effect on the official or a member of his or her family.
The evidence in this case does not support a violation of any statute under the Political Reform Act.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office does not have a single email, text message, transcript or any reliable statement that Supervisor Perez’ decision on the cannabis vote was in any way compromised. Supervisor Perez has always executed her official duties objectively, legally and in the best interests of her constituents and the residents of Kern County.
It is apparent from the circumstances considered by the prosecutor that their case is based upon unreliable, unsubstantiated and conclusory statements which the defense is prepared to thoroughly discredit.
The filing of these charges is inappropriate and violates fundamental constitutional provisions. This prosecution appears to be discriminatory and motivated by reasons other than the fair, objective and just enforcement of the law. In this regard, Supervisor Perez has unlawfully been singled out and subjected to disparate and discriminatory treatment.
Specifically, there is at least one local elected official who was found to be in violation of the same statute charged here, Government Code section 87100, by the California Fair Political Practices Commission but who was not criminally prosecuted by Lisa Green’s office. The defense is investigating other instances of disparate treatment involving alleged violations ofthe Political ReformAct, which were not criminallyprosecuted but instead were adjudicated by the FPPC.
We intend to vigorously defend these charges. Supervisor Perez is entirely innocent .
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UPDATE JULY 17, 2018, 11 a.m.: Supervisor Leticia Perez is holding a press conference at the office of her attorney H.A. Sala. She is expected to respond to charges.
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UPDATE July 17, 2018, 9 a.m.: District Attorney Lisa Green has announced two misdemeanor counts against Supervisor Leticia Perez in connection to failing to disclose conflicts of interest while serving on the Board of Supervisors.
The two charges are public official influence government decision for financial interest and public official failed to disclose investments, interest, etc.
She is due in court Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
Perez is not required to step down from her current position.
Supervisor Mike Maggard was also investigated and the DA found no wrongdoing. Maggard released a statement saying "I am grateful for the thorough investigation by the District Attorney's office and the thoughtful conclusion from the DA exonerating me of these false accusations."
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The Kern County District Attorney's Office will be holding a press conference on Tuesday morning to discuss "a conflict of interest with the marijuana industry and the Board of Supervisors".
The D.A.'s Office made the announcement Monday afternoon about the press conference set to be held at 9 a.m.
A source close to Supervisor Leticia Perez says the press conference from the District Attorney's Office will be to announce misdemeanor conflict of interest charges against Perez. Perez has denied the allegations.
Perez and her attorney are scheduled to hold a press conference following the District Attorney's announcement.
