Benjamin, Francis: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 for failure to timely and accurately file contribution and expenditure reports (C-3 and C-4 reports) (EY 19, Nov 19)

Case

#60299

Respondent

Francis Benjamin

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Glen Morgan filed on November 18, 2019. The complaint alleged that Francis Benjamin (Respondent), a candidate, for City Council Member for the City of Pullman may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by the Respondent; the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and queried the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely and accurately file the C-3 and C-4 reports does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

However,Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Francis Benjamin will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately disclose all contribution and expenditures. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Francis Benjamin timely and accurately files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. 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

November 20, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 60299 Benjamin Francis Warning Letter.pdf
• 60299 Benjamin Francis Response.pdf
• 60299 Benjamin Francis Complaint.pdf