Former Butte Mayor Faces Sexual Abuse Charges | Chico News

Chico News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 14, 2026 · 1m

Former Butte County mayor Brian Bassett, 58, faces five felony sexual abuse charges tied to alleged incidents with a 17-year-old under his care between April and November last year. Though prosecutors say no force was involved, California law bars consent as a defense for minors. Arrested earlier this month, Bassett is held on $330K bail. Authorities are actively seeking more witnesses and digging into his past, with a plea hearing set for Wednesday. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to five years in prison. His wife, uncharged, has declined to comment. The investigation remains…