Selma Mayor Scott Robertson has settled the charges accusing him of electioneering.
Robertson will serve 20 hours of community service as part of the settlement.
The backstory: The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal charge against Robertson in April for the Prohibited Dissemination of Electioneering Information at a polling place.
- According to the allegations, Robertson, who was running for reelection as mayor, approached voters on Nov. 5, 2024, who were waiting in line to cast ballots.
- He allegedly held a sign advocating for his reelection and the election of now-Councilman Jim Avalos and spoke with some voters about his campaign.
- California law prohibits candidates from soliciting a vote, speaking to a voter about marking the voter’s ballot or disseminating visible or audible electioneering information on election day or at any time a voter may be casting a ballot.
- He was charged with one misdemeanor count of Prohibited Electioneering and faced a maximum of six months in jail if he was convicted.
The big picture: Robertson was arraigned in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty.
- As part of the settlement, Robertson proposed to complete 20 hours of community service in order to resolve the matter.
- The District Attorney’s Office agreed to it, and the judge signed off on it.
- The case will be dismissed after 90 days as long as Robertson completes his community service.
- Robertson did not admit to any wrongdoing or guilt with the settlement.
What they’re saying: “Mayor Robertson offered this resolution to bring the matter to a close and to avoid the time, cost, and public resources required to litigate the case, allowing all parties – and the community – the move forward,” his office said in a statement.
