A California lawmaker’s son has come forward to criticize his father for taking advantage of what he calls an “Epstein loophole” to avoid serving time in jail for allegedly molesting children.
Robert Scrivner spoke out against California’s mental health diversion law, labeling it as a “flawed system” after his father Zack Scrivner managed to avoid incarceration.
“My own father, an elected official in Kern County, assaulted my siblings and me, and was granted mental health diversion,” Robert revealed during a press conference held by State Senator Shannon Grove, who is pushing to eliminate this loophole.
Senator Grove introduced Senate Bill 1373 on Tuesday, aiming to restrict the mental health diversion law for certain crimes.
“My bill will ensure that individuals who commit violent crimes, such as attempted murder of a child, assault resulting in death, and domestic violence, are no longer eligible for a mental health diversion program,” Grove stated.
Scrivner faced charges of child abuse and possession of assault weapons in February last year, managing to avoid more severe allegations of child sexual assault by claiming he was under the influence of drugs and entering a mental health diversion program.
Accusations against Scrivner include climbing into bed with a pre-teen child in April 2024 and engaging in inappropriate touching.
Christina, the estranged wife of Zack Scrivner, also voiced her support for the proposed bill during the press conference.
“Faced with inexplicable trauma, my courageous children bravely and honorably shared the truth of their abuse,” Christina stated. “We tell our children to speak up, speak up for yourselves, tell the truth, be honest. My children did just that.”
California’s mental health diversion law allows defendants with diagnosed mental health disorders to undergo treatment instead of serving jail time.
Critics have condemned the use of this law as an “Epstein loophole,” enabling serious offenders to evade incarceration.
Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains emphasized the importance of mental health diversion but stressed that it should not be used as an excuse for committing heinous acts. “This Epstein loophole needs to be closed,” Bains remarked.
