The district attorney finds no evidence that Salas attended the event on the taxpayer’s time

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — on friday allegations by Kern County Democratic Party Chairman Christian Romo regarding Board of Supervisors candidate Kimberly Salas’ presence at the event The Kern County District Attorney’s office said the charges against her while she was allegedly employed as a state taxpayer were found to be baseless and unsubstantiated.

The DA’s office said it received a complaint on Oct. 23, 2024, regarding Romo’s alleged violation of California Government Code Section 8314 against Salas. In addition, it was alleged that during the event, Salas was involved in campaign negotiations regarding her candidacy for the Kern County Board of Supervisors.

The district attorney states that “the complaint provides no evidence to support the primary allegation that Salas was on state-paid time when she attended the event, which took place on October 22, 2024, between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.”

After reviewing the complaint filed by Romo, the prosecutor’s office’s integrity unit sought and obtained voluntary cooperation from Salas, officials said.

Salas is said to have provided evidence that she began her leave from her state job on Sept. 16, 2024, and planned to return on Nov. 15, 2024, prosecutors said.

“During this period, Ms. Salas did not engage in campaign activities using public time, as she was not paid to conduct public business during her time off. That Ms. Salas reported and exercised her public service leave was confirmed by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office,” the DA said.

The DA’s release continues: “Mr. Romo’s complaint also alleges that because of the non-profit status of the event host, as well as the Church involved, it was ‘unlawful’ to engage in any discourse related to the campaign, the Event is not in compliance with the law.”

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said they do not investigate nonprofits or rule on their compliance with tax-exempt status or regulations.