Antioch School Board Candidate Feuding With Ex-Wife Tries To Clear Name, But Refuses To Answer Questions
ANTIOCH (CBS SF) -- A board of education race in the East Bay which would normally not draw widespread attention is getting more interest over one candidate's background, and his feud with his ex-wife.
Antioch school board candidate Jeff Belle called a press conference Wednesday to refute claims he is a con artist, but took no questions from the press.
Belle has a felony conviction of cashing a bogus check, along with federal and state tax liens and evictions from his landlords.
His most vocal critic is his ex-wife, Casey Jones, who now lives in New Mexico. "His façade is that of a very gentle, smart man. But soon after, that mask slips out and the truth is revealed."
Jones claims Belle married her for the money. They divorced after three months and Jones said Belle nearly emptied her bank accounts. She also claims Belle had married multiple women in the past simply to take their money.
He said he's made mistakes in the past, but said it's all behind him. "I'm sorry for that, I have learned," said Belle. "But I do not have a criminal behavior, a criminal past or a criminal pattern."
In June, Belle was cited for practicing respiratory care without a license and misrepresenting himself as a medical practitioner.
Belle argued it's a complex issue, and he's currently appealing the fine.
Jones said Belle has given speeches to medical students while claiming to have a Ph.D. degree. Belle said he did not have a Ph.D. nor a Master's degree, but would not explain a photo of him giving a speech with a Ph.D. title next to his name.
In fact, at his press conference Wednesday, Belle repeatedly refused to answer any follow up questions about his criminal record, his background or educational degrees.
Belle is facing school board incumbent Cynthia Ruehlig in Contra Costa County's District 5 school board race.