FPPC and Kern County District Attorney resolve case involving County Supervisor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2020

For More Information Contact:

Jay Wierenga (916) 322-7761

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s governmental ethics and campaign disclosure agency, is part of a comprehensive settlement reached by Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer regarding the financial conflict of interest case against Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez. The agreement requires Perez to pay a $4,000 administrative fine to the FPPC regarding Supervisor Perez’s actions relating to an October 2017 vote.

In announcing the settlement in January, District Attorney Zimmer stated, “Criminal prosecution is appropriate to ensure that there is a strong deterrent for actions that run counter the public’s trust and ethics laws.”

The case is one of many over the years where the FPPC Enforcement Division either works with, refers cases to, or receives cases from various other enforcement agencies, who often work in tandem to make sure the appropriate agency is the one leading the effort.

“We routinely work with District Attorney’s across the State as well as other entities to help resolve issues involving the Political Reform Act,” said Enforcement Chief Galena West. “We’re always looking for the most effective way to ensure justice is served for the people of California.”

“I’m extremely proud of the work done by our Enforcement Division to make sure those who aren’t following the rules are held accountable, so the public knows there’s a price to pay for not adhering to the law,” said FPPC Chair Richard C. Miadich. “I’m also pleased we cooperate so effectively with our law enforcement and other partners to make sure public officials are held to the highest standards possible.”

A link to the Kern County District Attorney’s news release about the full settlement can be found here:

https://www.kerncounty.com/home/showdocument?id=3936

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