BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) introduced a package of bills called the “Lords of Bakersfield.” In a release, it said the three-bill package “targets the abuse of mental health diversion programs, ends sweeping immunity deals for accomplices of predators, and mandates the rapid prosecution of elected officials investigated for sex crimes against children.”
“For too long, the wealthy, the politically connected, and the powerful have played by a completely different set of rules in our justice system,” said Dr. Bains. “We are watching mental health diversion be weaponized to shield abusers, while loopholes protect the accomplices of monsters like Jeffrey Epstein. The dark history of the ‘Lords of Bakersfield’ shows us that these abuses of power are deeply entrenched, and they have gone on for far too long. This package is about ensuring that no amount of money, status, or political influence can buy a get-out-of-jail-free card.”
The package includes three pieces of legislation:
1. The SCRIVNER (Sexual Contact and Rape Investigation, Victims’ New Enforcement Rights) Act
Expands prohibitions on mental health diversion, requires more rapid prosecution of elected officials investigated for child sex crimes, and eliminates prosecution barriers that the release said, “which may have influenced the Department of Justice’s decision not to charge a sex crime,” relating to the case of former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner.Expands the prohibition on mental health diversion by eliminating the need to be charged with select felonies, and instead requires the court to consider the findings of the investigation.Requires that once an investigation into an elected official for child sex crimes is complete and deemed appropriate for prosecution, formal charges must be filed within 30 days.Eliminates the requirement in current law to demonstrate “intent” when charging a suspect with child sexual abuse if the suspect willingly took a mind-altering substance.
2. The Epstein Loophole Act
In a release, it said, “Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirators remain anonymous today largely because of a plea agreement he was granted in 2008. This bill targets the very loophole that allowed Epstein and predators like him to traffic children with immunity.”Prohibits prosecutors from offering non-prosecution agreements that shield co-conspirators.
3. The Mental Health Diversion Reform Act
Cosponsored by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, the release said, “this bill protects the intent of mental health diversion to rehabilitate those in need, but ends its use as a get-out-of-jail-free card.”Prohibits courts from granting diversion solely based on a diagnosis, and requires a written mental health diagnosis from a qualified practitioner.Explicitly bars defendants from diversion if they are charged with violent or serious felonies including domestic violence.Extends court authority to require a defendant to relinquish all firearms and ammunition and mandates court-ordered financial restitution to victims for anyone participating in a diversion program.
Dr. Bains said, “This is about tearing down a two-tiered justice system that allows monsters to abuse kids with immunity. Democratic and Republican politicians and their friends need to know that they are not all-powerful, they are not above the law, and they will be held accountable for preying on children.”