Olbrechts, Kristen: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.430, .235 & 405 for transferring funds to another candidate/committee, failure to accurately report contributions made, and exceeding contribution limits. (EY 18; Sep 18)

The complaints alleged that: (1) Robert Sutherland may have violated RCW 42.17A.405 by disclosing the receipt of contributions on Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) from the Kristen Olbrechts Campaign that exceeded the $1,000 per election contribution limits; and (2) Kristen Olbrechts may have violated RCW 42.17A.430 by transferring active campaign funds to Robert Sutherland campaign and RCW 42.17A.405 by making contributions to Robert Sutherland that exceeded contribution limits.

Staff determined no evidence supports a finding of an actual material violation warranting further investigation. Both the Sutherland and Olbrechts campaigns entered into a verbal agreement concerning services being provided for sign locations, structures and maintenance based on an established fair market value agreed to by both parties. The PDC found no evidence the fair market value established between the two parties resulted in any contributions being made and will not conduct a more formal investigation into the complaint or pursue further enforcement action in this case.