Man alleges unlawful warrants, asks Kern County for investigation and help

A man who identified himself as Mike Ian told the board he was repeatedly arrested on what he called fabricated warrants and said county offices used judges' names on warrants without the judges' consent. He asked the board to investigate and provide accountability.

Ian said he was arrested multiple times beginning in February 2023 in what he described as civil litigation and unlawful-detainer proceedings. He said cases were dismissed and that, despite dismissals, the county later issued another warrant he called "fabricated," which he said demonstrated "the same unlawful patterns in targeting me and misusing court as a weapon."

County representatives said they would follow up within legal constraints. County counsel said the office has worked with departments including code compliance and the Department of Human Services when contacted and advised caution about discussing pending litigation. Supervisor Parlier offered to have her chief of staff follow up through county-counsel channels to coordinate any appropriate assistance.

Ian said he and others have been displaced and sought help; he asked for an investigation and for county staff to meet with him. County staff directed Ian to provide a phone number in private and said staff from the county administrative officer's office and county counsel would attempt to reach him and work within the law.

The board did not open a formal investigation at the meeting but supervisors and staff said they would attempt a follow-up to determine what assistance is possible.