Ortiz, Christopher: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 & WAC 390-16-034 for failure to timely & accurately report contributions and disclose occupation and employer's name and address on a C-4 report.

Case

#142458

Respondent

Christopher Ortiz

Complainant

Crystal Lynn Moldenhauer

Description

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

  • The complaint alleged that the Respondent failed to timely and accurately disclose in-kind contributions, specifically vendor or sub-vendor name, address, and description of goods or services provided. You attached the Respondent’s August 2023 C-4 report as evidence of the alleged violation.
  • In its response to the complaint, the Respondent’s Campaign stated: “I have amended report 110174226 correcting these errors. This is my first time using the system and I inadvertently duplicated the Category information into the Description area.” 
  • On September 19, 2023 – the same day it was notified of this complaint – the Campaign amended its August 2023 C-4 report to include more complete descriptions of the goods and services provided as well as the name and address of the vendors from which in-kind contributions were purchased.

Based on these findings the staff has determined that, in this instance, no evidence supports a finding of a violation warranting further investigation. The in-kind contributions in total were below the contribution limit for this office, occurred more than 30 days before the election, were inadvertent and minor in nature, and did not materially affect the public interest. Christopher Ortiz took timely corrective action and also substantially met all other required filing due dates within the previous 12-month period.

Additionally, as to the WAC 390-16-034 allegation regarding failure to provide contributor's employer and occupation, the staff found that the contributor in question was the candidate. Historically, if an F-1 report is on file for the candidate, the PDC has not required the candidate to report their employer information on the C-3. 

Disposition

Resolved as Remedial Violation

Date Opened

September 19, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-034

Documents

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