Ranade, Sameer: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .265, .205, .220, 320, .255 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions, expenditures, books of account, committee registration, and sponsor ID. (APR 2018)

Case

#34587

Respondent

Sameer Ranade

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Glen Morgan on April 11, 2018. The complaint alleged that Sameer Ranade may have violated the following sections of RCW 42.17A:

• Allegation One: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely and accurately file C-3 and C-4 reports.

• Allegation Two: Violation of RCW 42.17A.265 for failure to report last minute contributions.

• Allegation Three: Violation of RCW 42.17A.205 for failure to list committee officers and update C-1pc.

• Allegation Four: Violation of RCW 42.17A.425 for unauthorized expenditures of funds by an individual not listed as an officer on form C-1/C-1pc.

• Allegation Five: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to preserve books of accounts and campaign finance records.

• Allegation Six: Violation of RCW 42.17A.220 for unauthorized depositing of campaign funds into bank account by a non-treasurer.

• Allegation Seven: Violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include Sponsor ID.

• Allegation Eight: Violation of RCW 42.17A.255 for failure to timely file C-6 independent expenditures.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that in this instance, the failure to file all C-3 and C-4 reports timely does not appear to support a finding of an actual material violation warranting further investigation.

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(b), Sameer Ranade will receive a formal written warning concerning the committee’s failure to comply with the filing requirements noted above. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Sameer Ranade file reports of contributions and expenditures in accordance with PDC laws and rules should he become a candidate in the future. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1), and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into your complaint or pursuing enforcement action in this case.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

April 23, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.220, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.255, RCW 42.17A.265, RCW 42.17A.320, RCW 42.17A.425