Jeffery Scott McHargue: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions (C-3) and Receipts & Expenditure Summary (C-4) reports.(EY24 JUN24)

Case

#156266

Respondent

Jeffery Scott McHargue

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

PDC staff reviewed the allegation(s); the applicable statutes and rules, and reporting requirements; the response(s) provided by the Respondent; the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on staff’s review, we found the following:

• The Respondent filed a Candidate Registration (C-1) with the PDC on February 14, 2024, for the Full Reporting option.
• Upon review of the campaign reporting, PDC staff found that C-3 110218021, for a 2/13/24 deposit, was filed 4 months late.  C-4 110211450 reflecting contributions deposited on 2/13/24 was also filed 4 months late.  C-4 110217351 was filed timely but was missing required description information and was amended on 7/22/24, after the complaint. 
• The candidate did not appear on the Primary Election ballot, so the 21-day and 7-day reports were not due for this campaign. The late and amended reports were all filed well in advance of the General Election.
• The Respondent is a first-time candidate and does not have other similar warnings or violations of PDC requirements.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failing to file timely and accurate Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions (C-3) and Receipts & Expenditure Summary (C-4) reports in the 2024 election does not amount a violation that calls for further investigation.

Per WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Jeffery Scott McHargue will receive a formal written warning concerning the requirement under RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions (C-3) and Receipts & Expenditure Summary (C-4) reports.  Staff expects Mr. McHargue, moving forward, to follow all statutes and rules about filing accurate and timely campaign reports.  If violations of PDC statutes or rules occur in the future, the Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action necessary and has dismissed this matter per RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

July 08, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 156266 Jeffery Scott McHargue Complaint.pdf
• 156266 McHargue_Jeffrey Scott Response.pdf
• 156266 McHargue_Jeffery Scott Complaint Return Letter (combined).pdf