Riverside County Denies Funding for Sheriff Bianco's Election Investigation

A growing legal dispute in Riverside County is drawing increased attention as questions surround both the authority behind an election investigation and how the sheriff leading it is funding his legal defense.

During a press conference Tuesday, Riverside leaders and community members voiced opposition to the investigation, accusing the sheriff of overstepping his authority and improperly relying on taxpayer dollars.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors weighed in shortly after, voting 4–1 in closed session to deny funding for the investigation into alleged voter fraud.

Among the most vocal critics is Riverside City Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who has filed a lawsuit against Bianco. She is joined by Indio City Councilmember Oscar Ortiz, with both officials challenging the sheriff’s seizure of hundreds of thousands of ballots tied to the probe.

Other plaintiffs, including Nathan Kemp, also spoke at the press conference, expressing frustration over the scope and consequences of the investigation.

Dispute Reaches California Supreme Court.

According to court filings, Bianco initially sought legal representation from the county but was denied due to a conflict of interest, as the county’s counsel already represents the Registrar of Voters.

The legal fight has now escalated to the California Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear the case.

Separately, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit accusing Bianco of failing to comply with state directives regarding the investigation.

Bianco has defended his actions, arguing he is not required to follow the attorney general’s orders and accusing state officials of misusing public funds.

In a statement, he said, “Taxpayers are currently funding a coverup of a lawful investigation into election integrity — a coverup orchestrated by an embarrassment of an attorney general.”