Grant County Republican Central Committee: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.220 and .235 for failure to timely deposit contributions, and to report contributions and expenditures (Nov 18)

Case

#43080

Respondent

Grant County Republican Central Committee

Complainant

David Hammond

Description

The complaint alleged the Grant County Republican Party Central Committee, a Bona Fide Political Party Committee, violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.220 by failing to timely deposit monetary contributions received within five business days of receipt; and (2) RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to file or timely file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contributions and Expenditures reports (C-4 reports) disclosing contribution and expenditure activities undertaken for calendar years 2015 through 2018.   

On August 20, 2019, the Commission held an enforcement hearing against the Grant County Republican Central Committee (Committee), concerning the second allegation.  At the hearing, the Commission modified a Stipulation to Facts, Violations and Penalty, that was signed by Dan Brady, legal counsel for the party, and Peter Lavallee, PDC Executive Director.   

In the Stipulation, the Committee acknowledged violating RCW 42.17 A.235 and .240 by failing to file or to timely and accurately file C-3 and C- 4 reports disclosing contribution and expenditure activities undertaken by the Committee for calendar years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, and for failing to maintain the Committee's books of account for a portion of the calendar year 2015.  The Committee agreed to pay a $6,500 civil penalty of which $3,250 was suspended on several conditions resolving those allegations. 

Concerning the failure to timely deposit monetary contributions, PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Rae Ann Journey, Treasurer Grant County Republican Party Central Committee, and the C-3 reports filed by the Committee.

Staff has determined in this instance, the alleged violation of failing to timely deposit monetary contributions within five business days of receipt does not appear to be a violation warranting 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

Violation Found by Commission

Date Opened

November 16, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.220, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• PDC Case 43080 Grant Co Republican Central Committee Enforcement Notice, Admin Charges and Report of Investigation.pdf
• PDC Case 43080 GCRPCC Final Order Cover Letter with order and STIP.pdf
• PDC Case 43080 Grant Co Repub CC complaint return.pdf
• 43080 Grant County Republican Central Committee Complaint.pdf
• 43080 Grant County Republican Central Committee Response.pdf
• PDC Case 43080 intial hearing results complainant.pdf
• PDC Case 43080 intial hearing results respondent.pdf

Penalties