Lompoc City Councilman’s Preliminary Hearing On Forgery, Fraud, And Theft
Jarrod Zinn
LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – A preliminary hearing began today for a Lompoc City Councilman accused of forgery and fraud.
There have been calls for him to resign, but he had support in the courtroom.
Stephen Bridge represents the north west side of Lompoc.
He faces 15 counts, 10 of them felonies, related to forgery, fraud and stealing 10 thousand dollars in city funds.
He publicly addressed the charges at December’s city council meeting.
“The lawyers tell me the best path for this is to make no comment, either social media or in the news,” Bridge said in December.
A Lompoc rebate program offers reimbursement for construction work, but the contractors are required to be licensed to qualify.
Bridge and his sons are known in town for construction work, but prosecutors say none of them are licensed contractors.
Bridge also co-owns the music store Certain Sparks in Lompoc, and the other owner testified Thursday that Bridge runs the books.
He says he trusts Bridge and was not aware of any financial mis-dealings.
In the evidence presented in Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors said Bridge was manufacturing and later altering invoices to “Turner Construction,” an entity that doesn’t exist beyond his son’s business cards.
Bridge’s son also spoke in support of his father in court Thursday.
“I wanted to say I’m especially grateful for the huge outpouring of support I have received from people who know me,” said Bridge from the dais in December. “My friends and family. It has also been humbling to hear from people I hardly know, offering to help me.”
Bridge has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include ten felonies and five misdemeanors, according to the most recent criminal complaint.
“I believe in the American justice system and I’m confident that through the court process, I will be found not guilty,” says Bridge.
Among other discrepancies, invoices were charging Steve Bridge’s business for labor “Turner Construction” did.
Bridge remains on the city council even though another councilman has called on him to resign his seat.
The preliminary hearing was placed in recess at the end of the day, and will resume Friday afternoon.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.