Gambling With Children: Stockton Mayor Accused Of Playing Strip Poker With Minors And Giving Them Alcohol

When someone becomes a public servant, the whole world expects him/her to be a saint. The public puts a high standard on what their leader should be, and rightfully so--one that sets a good example, especially in terms of following the law of the land. This Stockton, California mayor went out of bounds and is now facing charges for playing part to the delinquency of minors.

According to Fox News, Stockton, California Mayor Anthony Ray Silva used to be a children's swim coach, school board president and youth camp's leader before assuming government office in 2012. He has recently been charged with "eavesdropping or recording confidential communications, providing alcohol to a minor and cruelty to a child by endangering health."

Ten months ago, Homeland Security agents detained the Stockton, California mayor and confiscated his laptops and cell phone. After investigation, the devices were found to have 23 photographs and four video clips of a youth camp Silva hosted for children from low-income families (via Fox News).

According to Amador County DA Todd Riebe, one of the video clips contained an audio conversation of participants playing a strip poker game in Silva's room. There are clear indications that the players did not want to be recorded.

The Stockton mayor also provided alcohol for a number of camp participants and counselors. All were underaged.

As per Amador Ledger Dispatch, court documents filed yesterday at the Amador Superior Court say that the first count against Silva is the recording of confidential communication without the consent of the parties involved. The second count concerns two incidences last year when the Stockton mayor sold, furnished and gave away alcohol to six people under the age of twenty-one.

The third count is when Silva provided alcohol to a minor. The fourth is an accusation of child cruelty when the mayor caused and permitted an incident dangerous to the children which may have led to body injuries and death.

Los Angeles Times reported that Silva has denied the charges and was released Thursday afternoon after posting a $20,000 bail. His lawyer, Mark Reichel, said in a statement that the timing was perfect to besmirch the Stockton mayor's name who is running for reelection in November against a close competitor, City Councilman Michael Tubbs.

Because of the recent turn of events, people are calling for the resignation of Silva. The Stockton Police Officers Association said as quoted by Los Angeles Times, "The mayor's actions have formed not merely a dark cloud, but full fledged storm, over the mayor's ability to govern and represent the city of Stockton."

This is not the first time that Silva has been caught caught grappling with the law. The Stockton mayor has been accused of sexual assault in 2012, surreptitious recording of private conversations in 2013, sexual advances and a fight in a limousine in 2014, and a registered gun under his name was used to kill a 13-year-old boy in 2015 (via Los Angeles Times).

As per Amador Ledger Dispatch, Silva recorded female minors changing in a gymnasium room when he used to serve as a board member on Stockton Unified School District in 2005. He has escaped jail for all instances.

Do you think Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva is innocent or is the evidence gathered enough proof to take him to jail? Comment below your thoughts and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.