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(FOX40.COM) — A legal case involving Stockton Unified School District Board member AngelAnn Flores reached a major decision, Monday.
Flores appeared in San Joaquin County Court for sentencing on an auto insurance fraud case, a conviction that ultimately cost her seat on the school board. Flores was acquitted of separate embezzlement and misuse of school funds charges in July.
In court, Flores became emotional while addressing the judge.
“I do not deny that I have made a huge mistake,” said Flores. “I take responsibility for my actions, and I am not proud with the decisions I made.”
Flores’s attorney and several community members asked the judge to dismiss or reduce the felony to a misdemeanor charge, arguing that Flores should be allowed to continue serving local students.
“She’s done the work. She is the only person on that board at that point in time that defended Black children, that tried to make sure all children had economic or educational equity,” said Bobby Bivens, Stockton NAACP President.
Defense attorney Tori Verber Salazar argued that Flores was being treated more harshly than others charged with similar crimes.
“In the past, anybody under $5,000 was more often, either received a misdemeanor or received an outright dismissal. They’re taking and isolating Ms. Flores and treating her differently than they are other individuals that have committed much more,” said Verber Salazar.
The judge ultimately upheld the felony conviction and sentenced Flores to 2 years informal probation, 45 days in county jail stayed upon completion of 120 community service hours within one year, a ban on owning firearms, and she must always drive with a valid license.
Flores said her actions were influenced by financial stress following public scrutiny from the earlier allegations of misuse of funds that affected her ability to work.
“It was very disheartening and sad to see how the system was used against me,” Flores said to FOX 40.
Following the sentencing, the SUSD Board President released a statement citing California Government Code 1770 (h), which states that a school board trustee position becomes vacant upon a felony conviction.
“Effective immediately, the Trustee position for Area 2 is vacant, and Ms. Flores no longer holds any duties or authority related to SUSD Board of Trustees.”
As of Monday afternoon, Flores no longer appears on the school board’s website.
Despite the ruling, Flores says she and her attorney will continue to fight to keep her position.
“To anybody in my community that elected me, I promise that I will continue to do the best job,” Flores said.
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Josie Heart
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