Lompoc City Council member Stephen Bridge accused of forgery, embezzlement and misuse of city funds
LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – On Wednesday, eight felony charges were filed against Lompoc City Council member Stephen Bridge.
The counts include forgery, grand theft by embezzlement, fraudulent use of a contractor's license number, and identity theft stated the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office in a press release Wednesday.
According to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, the allegations involve the misuse of city funds and "conduct related to a city rebate program".
The complaint details that Bridge allegedly used a contractor's license for Turner and Associates to file invoices with a variety of recipients including Oddfellows, Certain Sparks, and BBES as "Turner Construction" as far back as February of last year.
"I've led major corporations and supported local businesses through my consulting firm," details a candidate statement Bridge submitted during the last election cycle. "I'm also proud to be the
President of the Flower Festival and a founder of Certain Sparks Music Foundation."
Your News Channel has not been able to independently verify if Certain Sparks Music Foundation is the "Certain Sparks" mentioned as recipient of an invoice from Turner Construction in Wednesday's criminal complaint.
The complaint further alleges that on at least two occasions, Bridge took money from the City of Lompoc, specifically $5,076.66 on May 15, 2024 and $4,917 on February 7, 2025.
"We are aware of the charges filed against Mr. Bridge today," stated Emily Prueitt, the Community Relations Manager and Public Information Officer for the City of Lompoc. "The city will continue to work with the District Attorney’s office throughout the investigation. Any other inquiries should be directed to the District Attorney’s office. The city has no other comments at this time."
Bridge is currently scheduled to be arraigned on those charges on Dec. 4 of this year shared the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.
Your News Channel reached out to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office for more information and its response will be added to this article when it is received.
