09-05-2025
2 charges dismissed in voter fraud case against ex-president of Fairfax School District Board of Trustees
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Superior Court judge on Thursday dismissed felony embezzlement and conflict of interest charges against Palmer Moland, former president of the Fairfax School District Board of Trustees.
Deputy Public Defender Ajaib Gill,, Moland's attorney, said in a news release those charges were based on complaints made by politically motivated parties.
The court granted Gill's motion seeking the dismissal.
'Mr. Moland is happy to be vindicated as to the most serious charges in this case,' he said. 'We look forward to further clearing his name at jury trial.'
Moland still faces felony charges related to voter fraud and perjury. His trial is scheduled to begin next week.
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When charging Moland in 2022, prosecutors said he ignored bylaws that restrict using public funds when hiring a law firm that was set to investigate him. Prosecutors said he should have abstained from voting to hire the firm because it posed a conflict of interest.
In the release, Gill said Moland helped unseat the previous school board president — becoming the first Black president of the board. A majority of trustees then voted to retain the private firm, Gill said, to help 'move on from all of the well-documented drama and turmoil surrounding the school district.'
'The court correctly found there was no personal financial motive for Mr. Moland in voting to retain the firm,' Gill said.
In a separate case, Moland is accused of exaggerating his health issues to fraudulently obtain in-home care services for people with disabilities. A preliminary hearing is scheduled later this month.
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