Jefferson County Democrats PAC: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions & expenditures on reports (EY24 OCT24)

Case

#163157

Respondent

Jefferson County Democrats Central Committee

Complainant

Glen Morgan; Conner Edwards

Description

The complaints alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions and expenditures on Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions (C-3) reports and Campaign Summary Receipts and Expenditures (C-4) reports, disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Jefferson County Democrats PAC during the 2024 election year.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, any violation that may have occurred was minor and has been cured. After consideration of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this chapter. Under WAC 390-37- 060, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Jefferson County Democrats PAC are receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to accurately disclose expenditures and report contributions from the sale of campaign items. The formal written warning will include PDC staff’s expectation Jefferson County Democrats PAC 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 has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). Any allegations regarding reporting for calendar year 2024 for Jefferson County Democrats that are not otherwise addressed are hereby dismissed.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

December 04, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240