An independent investigation has been completed of an apparent pre-election cover-up by County Supervisors Patrick Jones and Kevin Crye of a letter from the State Attorney General that cleared District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett of any questionable actions with the PG&E Zogg Fire Settlement. Supervisor Mary Rickert requested the probe and the board approved the action in June. The AG’s Office was asked in August of last year to settle a dispute after Crye made accusations of corruption concerning how money was split up from the PG&E Zogg Fire Settlement. The AG responded in January but Jones was the only person who received the letter because he was board chair when the request was sent. He shared it with Kevin Crye, who continued to use the issue in ads fighting his recall despite knowing the result of the investigation. The new investigation into the handling of the letter was done by a Sacramento-based firm. Their findings are that Jones actions in suppressing the letter were not illegal or improper because no policy was in place requiring him to share it with his colleagues. The Board of Supervisors has waived attorney-client privilege so that the public can read the report. It’s available on the county website. Bridgett has repeatedly pointed out how much work was done in her office to resolve the PG&E case, and to try to get a criminal conviction against the corporation. When that failed, a $50 Million settlement was negotiated. 74% of the huge settlement went to local fire and police departments. The remainder went to organizations chosen by the families of the 4 people killed in the Zogg Fire.
-Steve Gibson