Eric Worden: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235, and .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions & expenditures on reports (EY24 AUG24)

Case

#168286

Respondent

Eric Worden

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaints filed by Conner Edwards on October 20, 2023, and August 20, 2024. The complaints alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately file expenditure reports.

Applicable Laws & Rules

  • RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.
  • RCW 42.17A.240 describes the required contents of campaign finance reports filed with the Public Disclosure Commission. 

Background & Findings 

  • Eric Worden was a candidate for City Council Member in the City of Port Orchard filing under the Full Reporting option for the 2023 election.
  • The complaints alleged missing C-4 reports and reporting inaccuracies causing a negative cash-on-hand balance.
  • Once notified of the complaint, the Respondent indicated that the negative cash-on-hand balance was due to in-kind contributions from the candidate that were incorrectly entered as monetary expenditures.
  • The Respondent updated the reports to reflect the correct information as well as filing the post-election C-4 Report.
  • The Respondent did not win the election.

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that the candidate appears to have violated RCW 42.17A. Based on the guidance provided to PDC staff by the Commission at its January 23, 2025, meeting, this matter is being dismissed in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-060(1)(d) due to current caseloads.    

Any allegations regarding reporting by you for the 2023 campaign that are not otherwise addressed are also hereby dismissed.   

You are required to comply with all PDC requirements in the future. Failure to do so could lead to further enforcement action.    

Disposition

Dismissed by Executive Director

Date Opened

March 13, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

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