Lompoc Council Deadlocks on Bridge Censure Vote Amid Ongoing Criminal Case

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) - The Lompoc City Council reached a 2-2 tie on a proposal to formally censure Councilman Steve Bridge after he chose not to cast a vote.

Bridge is currently the defendant in 25 criminal charges pending in Santa Barbara County Superior Court regarding an alleged multi-million dollar utility rebate fraud. 

Because councilman Jeremy Ball’s proposed public reprimand failed due to the deadlock, Bridge will be maintaining his position on the council representing Lompoc’s District 1.

Before the vote, the city's legal adviser stated that the council lacks the legal authority to force Bridge out of office or revoke his voting privileges in the absence of a formal felony conviction. 

Local residents packed the meeting room to call for consequences against the District 1 official.

The criminal charges filed against Bridge consist of 20 felonies and five misdemeanors, which include misappropriation of public funds, forgery and grand theft. 

Defense attorney Michael J. Scott obtained delays lasting until September to submit a Penal Code 995 motion for dismissal seeking to drop all charges.

The tie vote occurred after a heated discussion among municipal officials while Bridge's legal proceedings remain in the pretrial stage.

Defense counsel is scheduled to submit the Penal Code 995 motion for dismissal in September as the court proceedings move toward a final trial date.

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