The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday at it will not file criminal charges against former Seaside City Council Member Kayla Jones.
The investigation related to how Jones spent city funds while Jones served on the City Council. She resigned from the council last December 1st (2018).
In a written statement, the DA’s office wrote:
“After reviewing an audit commissioned by the City of Seaside for potential criminal charges against Ms. Jones, the District Attorney’s Office has determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Ms. Jones committed a crime. To prove criminal misappropriation of funds by a public official, it must be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the official knowingly acted without legal authority or authorization. The evidence presented to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office showed that city administration approved all expenses incurred and reimbursements requested by Ms. Jones, rendering insufficient proof that she knowingly acted without legal authority or authorization.”
