On August 4, ex-Mayor of Adelanto, California, Richard Kerr was convicted of accepting bribes connected to the cannabis industry during his tenure. A report from the Los Angeles Times noted that Kerr received a 14-month federal prison term.
Federal authorities originally proposed a 46-month sentence for Kerr. However, taking into consideration Kerr’s age of 66, his prolonged Marine service, and family commitments, U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb adjusted the sentence.
Kerr assumed the role of mayor in Adelanto, a quaint city in the southwest of San Bernardino County, back in 2014. At that point, he highlighted that nearly 40% of Adelanto’s populace faced poverty. Based on statistics from 2014-2018, this number dropped to 26.5%. Kerr aspired to transform the city into a hub for medical marijuana akin to Silicon Valley.
In 2017, federal agents arrested Kerr for receiving a $10,000 bribe in cash and allegedly orchestrating a plan to set his restaurant, Fat Boyz Grill, on fire for insurance claims. The subsequent year, in 2018, Kerr’s residence was the target of an FBI search, during which he was detained outside his property.
Fast forward to 2021, he faced charges of accepting $75,000 in bribes during his term, which allegedly influenced cannabis-related legislative decisions and permissions.
By February 2023, Kerr admitted to fraud charges. New findings from the case indicated he viewed the bribe money as charitable donations.
Carlos L. Juarez, representing Kerr, argued that Kerr’s lack of formal education led to naivety. Juarez mentioned, “While he tried to genuinely serve, he inadvertently got entangled in the complexities of political deceit.”
Expressing remorse, Kerr labeled his deeds as “ill-judged” actions. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the positive impact of the cannabis sector in generating employment opportunities and housing in Adelanto.
U.S. Attorney Sean Peterson emphasized the severity of Kerr’s misconduct, arguing for a four-year prison term as a deterrent for similar offenses.
Several individuals voiced their experiences with Kerr. Edwin Snell, a local resident, shared how Kerr reneged on a promise for a dispensary license, opting to sell to the highest offer instead. “He let down everyone who cast a vote for him,” remarked Snell.
Diana Esmeralda Holte, another resident, mentioned her failed attempt to secure a dispensary license in 2017, alleging that it was declined because she refused a $7,000 bribe. “While a 20-year sentence would be just, he deserves far more,” commented Holte.
In defense, Juarez stated that the entire legal ordeal has “sullied Kerr’s reputation.” Once a respected figure, his actions have now tarnished his family’s name.
Several of Kerr’s backers penned letters to the judge, highlighting his challenging upbringing, alcohol struggles, battle with emphysema (a respiratory ailment), and his role as a caregiver to five of his grandchildren. Kerr’s spouse emphasized his contributions as mayor, such as organizing community events and holiday charity drives.
In related news, Jermaine Wright, former Adelanto deputy mayor, was found guilty in 2022 for receiving a $10,000 bribe from a supposed cannabis entrepreneur, who was actually an undercover federal agent. Wright was handed a five-year prison sentence.
