Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions, expenditures, and debt. (SEP 2017)

Case

#25578

Respondent

Jeff Wiley

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The complaint alleged the Committee may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to accurately and timely file Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports); and (2) RCW 42.17A.240 for failure to properly report expenditures and debts on C-4 reports, including the failure to provide proper expenditure descriptions.

The Committee acknowledged the violation. In addition, (1) many of the late reports included limited direct contributions to candidates or ballot measures, and (2) the Committee filed reports in 2017 and 2018 timely during critical periods before and after an election. The Kitsap County Democrat Central Committee completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU) and paid a $300 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.235 for failing to timely file the C-4 reports in 2016. The $300 penalty assessed in this matter resolves the allegations listed in your complaint.

PDC staff is also reminding the Committee to properly report expenditures and debts on C-4 reports, including providing proper expenditure descriptions. Based on the above findings and the SOU, staff has determined that, in this instance, this matter does not warrant further investigation. The PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding

Date Opened

October 02, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

Penalties

Total penalties: $300

Balance Due: $0

Kitsap Co. Democratic Central Committee

Penalty

$300 (Statement of Understanding)

Payments

$300 on 02/06/2020 (Paid)