Chamberlin, Craig: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 by using public agency facilities to assist an election campaign. (EY '22; Feb '22)

Case

#104716

Respondent

Craig Chamberlin

Complainant

Beva Miles

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on February 23, 2022. The complaint alleged that Craig Chamberlin, a current Spokane County Deputy Sheriff and 2022 candidate for Spokane County Sheriff, may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 by wearing his official uniform and sitting on a county owned motorcycle in photos used for his campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Ministerial Treasurer Charlotte Benjamin on behalf of Craig Chamberlin (the “Respondent”); and PDC Interpretation 04-02, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that the uniform worn by Craig Chamberlin in photos posted to his 2022 Spokane County Sheriff Campaign were purchased and owned by him and not by the county. In addition, the photo of Deputy Chamberlin on a motorcycle with the word “sheriff” visible on the side was taken at least eight years ago by a local newspaper for a non-campaign related purpose and a copy of the photo was given to the Respondent several years prior to the start of his 2022 campaign and at no cost to him.                    

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, no evidence supports a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation and the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

March 02, 2022

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 104716 Chamberlain Craig Response.pdf
• 104716 Chamberlin Craig Complaint Return - Complainant.pdf
• 104716 Chamberlin Craig Complaint Return - Respondent.pdf
• 104716 Chamberlin Craig Complaint.pdf