21st District Democrats (2): Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions, expenditures, and debt. (OCT 2017)

Case

#26543

Respondent

Simone Gomes

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The complaint alleged the 21st Legislative District Democratic Central Committee (Committee) may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to accurately and timely file Monetary Contributions (C-3) reports and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure (C-4) reports; (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; and (3) RCW 42.17A.220 for accepting anonymous contributions in excess of the allowable limit without forfeiting the excess amount to the State of Washington.

On November 21, 2017, the Committee filed an amended C-3, listing $505 in contributions in March 2016 and submitted a check for $1,399 to the Washington State Treasurer for “forfeit of excess contributions.”  On March 5, 2020, the Committee submitted a check for $1,375.37 to the Washington State Treasurer for “forfeit of excess contributions.” 

Based on these findings, and the Committee’s 2016 extenuating circumstances as noted, staff has determined that in this instance, the failure to timely and accurately file reports of contributions and expenditures and disclose debts and obligations and accept over-limit anonymous contributions does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.  

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the 21st Legislative District Democratic Central Committee will receive a formal written warning concerning the Committee’s failure to comply with filing requirements.

The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that the 21st Legislative District Democratic Central Committee timely file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures and disclose debts and obligations and adhere to anonymous contributions limits and rules. 
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 finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

October 24, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 21st District Democrats Response.pdf
• PDC Case 26543 21st District Dem close with warning.pdf
• 26543 21st District Democrats (2) Complaint With Attachments.pdf