Wagner, Dale: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for misuse of public facilities to support or oppose candidates or ballot propositions (EY20, Oct20)

Case

#78009

Respondent

Dale Wagner

Complainant

Sean Bates

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Sean Bates filed on October 11, 2020. The complaint alleged that Dale Wagner, Adams County Sheriff, may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 by posting personal political support and opposition on the Adams County Sheriff Department’s Facebook page. 

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by the Respondent to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, the misuse of public facilities does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Dale Wagner will receive a formal written warning concerning the misuse of public facilities. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Dale Wagner will not use public facilities to either support or oppose candidates or ballot propositions in the future. 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 12, 2020

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 78009 Wagner Dale Warning Letter.pdf
• 78009 Wagner Dale Response.pdf
• 78009 Wagner Dale Complaint.pdf