No criminal charges filed against former Seaside City Council member

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office will not file criminal charges against former Seaside City Council Member Kayla Jones.

The charges were related to spending of city funds while Jones served on the City Council.

The DA’s office released a written statement that said, “After reviewing an audit commissioned by the City of Seaside for potential criminal charges against Ms. Jones, the District Attorney’s Office has determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Ms. Jones committed a crime. To prove criminal misappropriation of funds by a public official, it must be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the official knowingly acted without legal authority or authorization. The evidence presented to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office showed that city administration approved all expenses incurred and reimbursements requested by Ms. Jones, rendering insufficient proof that she knowingly acted without legal authority or authorization.”

Jones made headlines following sexual assault allegations she made toward the council. She submitted her official notice of resignation as council member for the City of Seaside, on Dec. 1, 2018.