Johnson, Norman: Alleged violations of Chapter 42.17A RCW for personal use of campaign funds, failure to report surplus fund expenditures, and failure to accurately and timely report debts, contributions, and expenditures (EY 16, Sep 17)

Case

#24630

Respondent

Norman Johnson

Complainant

Walter Smith

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on September 1, 2017. The complaint alleged that State Representative Norman Johnson may have violated:

Allegation One: RCW 42.17A.445 for the personal use of campaign funds when Rep. Johnson made a $3,000 contribution to the House Republican Organizational Committee (HROC) using campaign funds, and when he made a $1,038.55 contribution to the West Valley Fair, described as “Donation to Fair,” using campaign funds.

Allegation Two: RCW 42.17A.430 for disposing of surplus funds in a manner not allowed under RCW 42.17A.430, by making a $3,000 contribution to HROC, and an alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.240 and WAC 390-16-236 for failing to report the $3,000 Surplus Funds expenditure to HROC.

Allegation Three: RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to accurately and timely report debts and obligations in the form of “orders placed” totaling $36,655.77 with Smith Phillips Dipietro Advertising for advertising and related expenses.

Allegation Four: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to accurately and timely report two Summary, Full Report Receipts and Expenditures (PDC Form  C-4) reports during Rep. Johnson’s 2016 campaign.

Based on staff’s findings, staff determined that in this instance, the failure to timely file Surplus Funds account C-4 reports, and the failure to timely file two campaign C-4 reports does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.

On July 8, 2019, Rep. Johnson submitted a signed Statement of Understanding acknowledging a violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failing to timely report orders placed totaling $36,655.77.

On July 8, 2019, Rep. Johnson paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule) for the violation.  The $150 penalty resolves this allegation.

Based on this information, the PDC found 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

September 05, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.430, RCW 42.17A.445, WAC 390-16-236

Penalties

Total penalties: $150

Balance Due: $0

Norman Johnson

Penalty
$150 (Resolved through statement of understanding)
Payments
$150 on 07/08/2019 (Resolved through statement of understanding - Paid by Check)

Subscribe for updates


{{statusMessage}}

To subscribe to this case, enter your email address in the form below and click "Send confirmation link" button. You will be sent a secure link via email that will confirm your subscription.


An email containing a link to confirm your subscription to this case has been sent to {{ email }}.

If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, please check your junk mail or mail filters.

Send again

{{statusMessage}}