Yorba Linda : Mayor Pro Tem Faces Molestation Complaints

Seven counts of misdemeanor child molestation have been filed against Mayor Pro Tem Michael Beverage by his stepson.

Beverage said Wednesday that the charges are “hogwash.” Beverage was fingerprinted and photographed Wednesday following a court order Tuesday to have him booked, Brea Police Capt. Jim Oman said. Tuesday’s arraignment was continued at the request of Beverage’s attorney until May 24.

Beverage’s stepson on April 6 told Brea police of abuses he said took place between April and December of last year, Oman said. The seven misdemeanor counts were filed on April 16, Orange County Deputy Dist. Atty. Mathew Valance said.

Because the boy, now 17, was older than 14 at the time, Beverage was charged with misdemeanors and not felonies, Valance said.

Beverage would not comment on the charges Wednesday other than to say, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s hogwash.” His attorney, Jeffrey Friedman, said his client will plead not guilty.

Calling the complaint a “fabrication,” Friedman said it is “common knowledge” that Beverage and his stepson do not get along. “They’ve never gotten along, and this is the culmination of it,” he said.

Oman said the boy has been living with his natural father since filing the complaint. If found guilty, Beverage would face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine per count, Valance said.

Beverage has been a member of the City Council for more than three years. His term expires at the end of next year.