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California Lawmakers Outraged Over Epstein Loophole for Child Abuser

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Epstein loophole allowed former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner to avoid jail by entering a mental-health diversion program after a felony child-abuse charge.
California lawmakers criticized the approach, drawing outrage from Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains and Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
The Attorney General's office mishandled the case by not including a sex crime charge.
Experts say mental health diversion programs must balance public safety with treatment, raising questions about effectiveness.

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Story summary

The Epstein loophole allowed former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner to avoid jail by entering a mental-health diversion program after a felony child-abuse charge.
California lawmakers criticized the approach, drawing outrage from Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains and Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
The Attorney General's office mishandled the case by not including a sex crime charge.
Experts say mental health diversion programs must balance public safety with treatment, raising questions about effectiveness.