Contra Costa DA Files Charges Against Board of Education Trustee

A Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office filed criminal charges Wednesday against a county Board of Education trustee, who allegedly lied to voters. Jeff Belle oversees Bethel Island, Clyde, Knightsen, Oakley, and parts of Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood and Pittsburg.

He could not be immediately reached for comment.

Citing an ongoing investigation and the pending misdemeanor charge, Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve Moawad said he could not disclose what exactly Belle is alleged to have lied about. Last year, several news outlets accused him of lying to voters about his education. District Attorney Mark Peterson said in a statement that voters are entitled to the truth.

“The democratic process is fundamental to our system of government,” Peterson said. “The integrity of our elections is fundamental to that process and must be protected.”

Belle is now facing a maximum penalty of $1,000. His term expires in 2018, according to the Contra Costa County Office of Education.

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