On August 4, former Adelanto, California mayor Richard Kerr was discovered responsible of taking cannabis-related bribes whereas in workplace. In accordance with protection from the Los Angeles Times, Kerr was sentenced to federal jail for 14 months.
Initially, federal prosecutors sought to condemn Kerr to 46 months, however U.S. District Choose John W. Holcomb reconsidered the sentence due to Kerr’s age at 66 years previous, along with his twenty years of service within the Marines, in addition to family-related tasks.
Kerr was elected as Adelanto’s mayor in 2014, a small desert metropolis in southwestern San Bernardino County. Kerr claimed that 40% of Adelanto residents lived in poverty on the time (as of data from 2014-2018, that share has decreased to 26.5%) and he wished to make town the “Silicon Valley of medical marijuana.”
In 2017, Kerr was arrested by federal officers for taking a $10,000 money bribe, and in addition looking for somebody to burn down his restaurant (known as Fats Boyz Grill) so he might gather the insurance coverage. The next 12 months in 2018, Kerr’s home was raided by the FBI and he was seen in handcuffs exterior of his residence.
Later in 2021, he was charged with accepting $75,000 in bribes whereas in workplace, which influenced approval for cannabis-related ordinances and permits.
Lastly in February 2023, Kerr pleaded responsible to fraud. The newest case revealed that he thought of bribery funds as donations to a charity fund.
Carlos L. Juarez, Kerr’s legal professional, defended his shopper by claiming that he didn’t have a university schooling and was naïve. “He did his darnedest to serve the individuals however alongside the best way obtained caught up in an internet of political corruption,” Juarez acknowledged.
Kerr known as his actions the results of “stupidity” and “doing dumb issues.” Nevertheless, he praised how the hashish trade benefited town, bringing “1000’s of jobs and lots of of latest properties.”
Nevertheless, U.S. Lawyer Sean Peterson addressed the seriousness of Kerr’s actions. “It’s not that there was only one bribe. It’s critical conduct,” Peterson stated, asking the choose for Kerr to serve 4 years in jail for example of the implications for others who select an identical path.
Many witness got here forth to debate Kerr’s habits. One native, Edwin Snell, stated that Kerr promised him and his companion that they might be permitted to open a dispensary within the metropolis, however Kerr bought the allow “to the best bidder.” “He promised us a dispensary and Semper Fi’d it,” stated Snell. “Each individual that voted for him was betrayed. Each individual that voted for him was hornswoggled.”
One other resident, Diana Esmeralda Holte, stated in 2017 that she utilized for a dispensary license, however her try was rejected as a result of she wouldn’t pay a $7,000 bribe. “I feel he deserves 1,000,000 years, however 20 could be cheap,” Holte stated.
In his protection, Juarez stated the courtroom case and ruling is “an entire embarrassment to Kerr.” Whereas as soon as well-renowned and revered in the neighborhood, he has introduced his household title to disgrace,” he described.
Kerr’s supporters wrote letters to the choose, explaining that he grew up in poverty, has points with alcohol, suffers from emphysema (a lung illness that causes breathlessness), and helps 5 of his grandchildren. Kerr’s spouse specifically spotlighted his extra constructive choices as mayor, which included films within the park, a public rodeo occasion, and meals and toy drive donations throughout the holidays.
Former Adelanto mayor professional tem Jermaine Wright was convicted in 2022 for accepting a $10,000 bribe from an undercover federal official claiming to be a hashish enterprise proprietor. Wright was sentenced to 5 years in jail.
A current podcast known as “Dreamtown: Adelanto,” which premiered on the Tribeca Movie Competition in New York Metropolis, covers town’s historical past and corruption, in addition to Kerr’s involvement within the hashish trade. “…reporter David Weinberg delves into what occurred when a newcomer on the native council helped town legalize weed manufacturing, and paperwork the fallout that occurred subsequent,” wrote Excessive Occasions creator Molly Lipson.
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