Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva Calls Charges, Accusations Politically Motivated

STOCKTON (CBS13) — Between his body guards and legal team, the Mayor of Stockton stood expressionless waiting for his cue to speak.

After a few remarks from his attorneys, Mayor Anthony Silva stepped to the microphones and read a statement from several pieces of paper.

He began by comparing Stockton politics to television dramas. Then the embattled mayor spoke to the fact that one of his guns was used in several crimes including a homicide.

"It is absolutely untrue that I am not willing to cooperate with an investigation to bring a young boys killer to justice," said Silva.

He continued saying he is working to raise money as a reward to find Rashawn's killer.

Silva then moved on to his recent arrest at a youth camp earlier this week.

"I'm innocent and I appreciate your patience," said Silva reading from his paper.

Silva faces four charges stemming from his youth camp in Amador county. The investigation began a year ago with a search of his electronic devices.

"They used homeland security to illegally seize my laptops and cellphone under the border doctrine," said Silva.

Silva was arrested at the Silver Lake Family Camp site on Thursday.

According to the arrest report, Silva recorded audio on his phone of a strip poker game in his bedroom while at the camp in 2015.

The report says the Mayor, three 19 year-old, an 18 year old and a 16 year old were there. The report states Silva provided alcohol. He was also charged with child endangerment.

"No. 1, everyone there was 18 years old," said Silva, "No. 2, I never ever ever endangered a child, ever. No. 3, I never provided alcohol to anyone, and I certainly did not secretly record anyone"

"He faked almost everything," said Pricara, she was standing nearby listening to the Mayor's speech.

She says he didn't sound sincere

"Instead of reading off the paper he should have memorized everything before coming out here," Pricara continued, " if it's not true, talk to all the parents and past parents that were with him last year at camp."

Silva declined to take questions and left no indication that he would be stepping down.

A supporter says she plans to stand behind the Mayor, adding "'this is all politically motivated."

Silva is up for re-election against current Stockton City Councilman Michael Tubbs.

Silva's next court date is scheduled for August 16th at the Amador County Superior Court.