Sheldon, Timothy: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240, .220 for failure to timely deposit and timely file contributions and expenditures. (JAN 18)

Case

#30905

Respondent

Timothy Sheldon

Complainant

Dmitri Iglitzin

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Dmitri Iglitzin on February 8, 2018. The complaint alleged that Tim Sheldon, an incumbent State Senator and a candidate seeking re-election to that office in 2014 and 2018, violated RCW 42.17A. 235 and .240 by failing to timely file the Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports). The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) notified PDC staff that their office would not be taking action against Senator Sheldon concerning the Citizen Action Notice filed with their office.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint in light of PDC laws and rules in order to determine whether a formal investigation or enforcement action is warranted. Staff reviewed the Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports), and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), filed by the Tim Sheldon Campaign (Campaign), and the July 20, 2018 response letter from Senator Sheldon.

The 2014 Tim Sheldon Campaign received approximately $495,000 in contributions, and made expenditures totaling more than $480,000. While the Campaign failed to timely file the three campaign finance reports listed above, the December 2012 and July 2013 late filed C-4 reports are beyond the five-year statute of limitations and were filed almost 16 months prior to the 2014 general election. In addition, the $500 contribution that was deposited and reported late, was the only allegation concerning the 2018 Campaign, and represented less than .5% of the total contributions received.

PDC staff found no evidence of a material violation that would require conducting a more formal investigation into the complaint or pursuing enforcement action in this instance. Therefore, PDC is returning the complaint filed against Tim Sheldon without taking any formal action.

Although PDC will not be conducting a formal investigation into these allegations or taking further enforcement action in this matter, staff has reminded Mr. Sheldon of the importance of filing timely and accurate reports disclosing campaign contribution and expenditure activities for all future campaigns.

Disposition

Case Closed with No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

February 08, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240