Erb, James (2): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 for failure to timely report debts and expenditures for mailers (EY 18, Aug 18)

Case

#40029

Respondent

James Erb

Complainant

Chester Dow

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed it review of the complaint filed on August 24, 2018. The complaint alleged that James Erb, a candidate for Whatcom County Prosecutor in 2018, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to timely and accurately file Summary Full Reporting of Contribution and Expenditure Reports (C-4 reports) disclosing expenditure activities, including in-kind contributions, debts or other obligations for mailed political advertising.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations, the C-4 reports filed by the James Erb Campaign, and the response from the Campaign.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(b), James Erb will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to timely and accurately file C-4 reports. The formal written warning will include staff's expectation that the Erb Campaign file accurate and timely C-3 and C-4 reports for the duration of the 2018 election cycle. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there future violations of PDC laws or rules.

Based on these facts, staff has determined that in this instance, no evidence was found to support finding a material violation warranting a more formal investigation into the complaint or pursuing further enforcement action in this case. Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

August 28, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 40029 Erb James (2) Complaint.pdf
• 40029 Erb James Formal Warning Ltr.pdf
• 40029 Erb James (2) Response.pdf