Fraud Case Against Lompoc City Councilman Concludes Preliminary Hearing

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) - Lompoc city councilman Steve Bridge appeared in court today for the final day of his preliminary hearing.

He faces ten counts, including fraud and theft.

The judge heard several days of witness testimony and cross examination.

The prosecution alleges bridge deliberately forged invoices to obtain city rebate money.

The city rebate program reimburses licensed contractors for legitimate work.

Over the multi-day hearing, prosecution presented evidence suggesting Bridge deliberately forged invoices for labor conducted by his stepson who is a handyman, but is not a licensed contractor.

Repairs were made to multiple properties including the Lompoc Oddfellow’s Hall and Certain Sparks Music, which is co-owned by Bridge’s other son.

Audio recordings were presented in which Bridge admitted his forgery and downplayed the city rebates’ requirement that licensed contractors do the labor.

The defense argued the rebate application process was unclear at the time about those requirements, though prosecution countered with language to that effect from the rebate application.

The City of Lompoc has since begun a full audit of the city’s rebate program.

The judge sided with prosecutors, and a pre-trial arraignment has been scheduled for May 27th.

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