Man accused of threatening Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores says he sent emails to all supervisors, insists he's the one being threatened in jailhouse interview
Apr 04, 2025
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The 61-year-old man accused of threatening Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores is due back in court next Thursday.
This week, Parrish Buzzard agreed to speak with 17 News for a jailhouse interview. He has been charged with three felonies and is being held without bai
l at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility.
17's Jenny Huh: "You're being accused of sending threatening messages."
Parrish Buzzard: "No, no, they're threatening me, man."
17's Jenny Huh: "So, going back to Jeff Flores, tell us more specifically how Flores is threatening you?"
Man arrested after allegedly sending threats to member on Board of Supervisors
Parrish Buzzard: "It's the whole Board of Supervisors. It's the whole thing. They never reached out; they took my money."
Parrish Buzzard also called Supervisor Jeff Flores a creep.
But Buzzard said he sent emails to all five county supervisors, not just Flores.
"It was really to different ones, it means all of them [supervisors], I just didn't have time to type it all in and stuff," Buzzard said.
17's Jenny Huh: "So, it just happened to go to Jeff Flores, but you're not targeting him?"
Parrish Buzzard: "No, I sent it to different, other supervisors too, to all of them.
17's Jenny Huh: "I don't think they received it, they said it was only Flores?"
Parrish Buzzard: "That's false."
Buzzard faces three felony charges -- stalking, making criminal threats and threatening a state official.
Charges filed against man accused of threatening Supervisor Jeff Flores
A public defender entered not guilty pleas on Buzzard's behalf.
But during his arraignment, Buzzard lashed out, using numerous profanities.
"Well, I had a real bad headache, and I was in a lot of pain in. My foot and arm and stuff, and I was filthy and all this stuff, and they weren't being cool at all," Buzzard explained. "I think when she was saying I was stalking, I thought what are you talking about? I'm the one that's been stalked for years, many, many years."
He also said he's been homeless, suffers from PTSD, has had seizures and said many people have tried to kill him.
A significant portion of the 50-minute-long conversation was filled with tangents, incoherence and countless references to politicians, books, movies and music, including "Silence of the Lambs," "Jeepers Creepers," "The Truman Show," Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer.
Buzzard also lamented about not being able to receive Social Security and disability benefits -- as well as healthcare and housing assistance -- for years.
Through the interview, 17 News learned Buzzard is an introvert who was born and raised in Fresno. He said he moved to Bakersfield in May 2022 because he felt Fresno was like a "death trap."
Buzzard also had scratches on his face. He said he claws his skin during his sleep and said he has frequent nightmares and "very terrible nights."
Man charged with threatening Jeff Flores removed from court after profane outburst
In a statement to 17 News, Flores said: "Prior to the recent hundred-plus emails from Mr. Parrish Buzzard I, nor my staff, have ever had any interaction with him. I do not know him, nor have I ever met him. Additionally, I have never threatened Mr. Buzzard in any way. Unfortunately, he's the one who's threatening me. I am always committed to serving all my constituents who reach out for assistance to the best of my ability."
17 News asked Buzzard about allegations he had threatened former District 3 Supervisor Mike Maggard. Buzzard denied those allegations, saying he doesn't know who Maggard is.
17 News also asked about a prior arrest in Fresno for the same charge -- criminal threats. Buzzard was unable to detail specifics about the incident. ...read more read less