Shea, Matthew (5): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.445 for personal use of campaign contributions (EY 20; May 20)

Case

#70561

Respondent

Matt Shea

Complainant

Leonard Christian

Description

A complaint was filed against Matt Shea, an incumbent Washington State Representative in the 4th Legislative District and a candidate seeking re-election to that office in 2020, alleging violations of RCW 42.17A.445 by making a personal prohibited expenditure using campaign funds.

On May 11, 2020, the 2020 Matt Shea for State Representative Campaign (Campaign) filed the April 2020 C-4 report disclosing contribution and expenditure information undertaken during the month, that included a $65.32 expenditure made to Matt Shea on April 11, 2020 and listing the description as a reimbursement for “home goods security curtain

PDC staff's review found that Representative Shea made a decision to not seek re-election, and is no longer a candidate for State Representative in 2020. In addition, the $65.32 expenditure made to Matt Shea reimbursing him for the purchase of a “security curtain” was a very small expenditure of campaign funds, both in the amount of the expenditure and concerning the percentage of the $65.32 reimbursement to the overall campaign expenditures made.

Based on these facts, staff found that the expenditure identified in your complaint would not constitute a material violation that would require conducting a more formal investigation into the complaint or pursuing enforcement action in this instance. Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the PDC is issuing a formal written warning to the Matt Shea Campaign concerning the prohibition of making expenditures using campaign funds that may also have a personal use component, would likely constitute a violation. Representative Shea will be advised that the Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action, should there be future violations of PDC laws or rules.

The PDC has dismissed the complaint in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

May 19, 2020

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.445