TEHACHAPI, Calif. — A former Tehachapi Public District Board Member has been prohibited from ever serving as a public officer in the state after violating financial conflict of interest laws, according to The Kern County District Attorney.

Officials said Richard E. Williford served as a member of the board of directors of Mountain Meadows Community Service District from January 2007 through September 2013.

"During that time, he personally engaged in numerous contractual transactions with Mountain Meadows CSD in violation of financial conflict of interest laws," officials said. "Following an investigation by the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, Mr. Williford was charged with multiple felony counts for violating financial conflict of interest laws."

According to officials, Williford entered a no contest plea on one felony count of violating which prohibits a public officer from entering into contracts in which he has a personal financial interest.

He is ordered to pay restitution to Mountain Meadows in the amount of $137,184.57 and to serve 90 days custody as terms of the three-year probationary period.