Despite Indictment, Derry To Address Tea Party Wednesday

San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry and former State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore will be the featured speakers at Wednesday's general meeting of the Redlands Tea Party Patriots.

Though recent felony charges filed against Derry raised doubts, he will appear at the meeting, Derry’s Chief of staff George Watson said.

“It was about a month ago they contacted him,” Watson said. “They asked him to talk about county issues.”

On April 26, the California Attorney General’s office filed a complaint against Derry accusing him of felony perjury and filing campaign documents that failed to report a $5,000 contribution from Arnold Stubblefield-Highland Town Shops. Attorney general officials said Derry then “knowingly” submitted a campaign report with the omission. Officials said he also failed to report Stubblefield as a contributor, which is a misdemeanor.

Watson did not comment about the charges filed against the supervisor, but referred back to a written statement released April 27 that called the omission a “supposed error.” The statement also mentions the supervisor will not comment on the matter until he and his campaign treasurer and attorney can review all the facts.

It’s important to note that the group is having its general meeting a day earlier than normal. This month’s meeting will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Mill Creek Cattle Co., 1874 Mentone Blvd, Mentone.

Redlands Tea Party members promote fiscal responsibility, Constitutionally limited government and free-market principles, according to their Facebook page.

The group is a “non-partisan grassroots organization formed in response to expanding federal government,” according to the site.

For more information visit the group’s website, http://www.redlandsteaparty.com/ or find them on Facebook by Searching for Redlands Tea Party Patriots.