EL DORADO COUNTY, California (October 21, 2023) In EDC – In a verdict that has sends shockwaves through the South Lake Tahoe community, former City Council candidate Kevin Brunner has been found guilty of committing felony vandalism and felony attempted arson stemming from a disturbing incident.
The incident, which marked a dramatic and violent turn in Brunner’s life, saw him break into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and set fire to several objects.
Brunner, who was running for a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council, was taken into custody on October 1, 2022, with the charges of felony vandalism, arson, and misdemeanor trespassing. His bail was set at $35,000.
Law enforcement officials detailed the events that led to Brunner’s arrest. According to Sgt. Scott Crivelli of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, officers received a call around 6:30 a.m. on that day, reporting that Brunner had forcefully entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence. He proceeded to vandalize the property and set fire to items he had taken from the apartment.
The motive behind the incident appeared to be jealousy, as witnesses claimed that Brunner had seen his ex-girlfriend speaking to another man at a local casino before the break-in occurred.
Brunner, who had moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2012, presented himself as an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement and an advocate for open communication between law enforcement and the public. However, these convictions have cast a dark shadow over his candidacy for the City Council in the November 2022 election.
During the trial, Brunner vehemently denied the charges, insisting that law enforcement had misconstrued the situation. He claimed that his actions were driven by the necessity to fend off a bear that was attempting to enter the residence. In the process, he alleged that he had fallen through a window and suffered a concussion.
This recent conviction has dealt a devastating blow to Brunner’s political aspirations, as he is now disqualified from running for public office. A hearing to determine any aggravating factors in his case is scheduled for October 30, 2023. The subsequent sentencing hearing will be set at the October 30th hearing.
The trial was held in Department 3, presided over by the Honorable Judge Michael McLaughlin. It was a joint effort by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, led by Officer Wiens and Sgt. Sentell, and the prosecution, represented by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Hunt.
As this case unfolds, it shines a spotlight on the importance of accountability, even for those in positions of influence and responsibility. The citizens of South Lake Tahoe now await the consequences for Brunner’s actions as the legal process continues to move forward.
A hearing to determine aggravating factors is scheduled for October 30, 2023. The sentencing hearing will be scheduled at the October 30th hearing.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to the Placerville Newswire as we follow the court proceedings closely.
