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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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Requested Action(s)
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a) Request approval and authorization for the Board to sign a letter to the Attorney General, requesting that the Department of Justice and Attorney General’s Office take over the criminal investigation and potential prosecution involving “certain members of the Tehama County Board of Supervisors and specific Tehama County Department Heads” to ensure a neutral and complete investigation
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Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact on the County associated with this letter.
Background Information:
At the July 22, 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting, during future agenda items a request was made by Supervisor Walker and consensus was received from all five Supervisors to draft a letter to the Attorney General and Department of Justice regarding an ongoing Sheriff’s investigation.
Due to the political nature of the allegations and the fact that Supervisor Nolen has been indicted by the Grand Jury in connection with these events, the Board has concern for the appearance of bias, retaliation, and witness intimidation by keeping the investigation at the local level. The Tehama County Sheriff’s request for outside legal guidance further illustrates additional complexity in navigating a potential legal conflict of interest. For the purpose of transparency, due process, and the benefit of all parties and the public trust, the Board is requesting the continued investigation and possible prosecution of this case be conducted by a neutral third party, the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office.