Riley, Christina: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & 42.17A.240 for failure to timely report contributions & expenditures, (EY24, JAN24)

Case

#147863

Respondent

Christina Riley

Complainant

Kyle Wheeler

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on January 25, 2024. The complaint alleged that Christina Riley, a candidate for Lewis County Commissioner, Position 2 in the 2024 election, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Treasurer, Conner Edwards, on behalf of the Respondent; the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Christina Riley is a first-time candidate and, prior to receipt of the complaint, was serving as her own treasurer. Staff found that although the Respondent filed some C-3 and C-4 reports after their due date, the reports contained limited activity and were filed more than six months prior to the August 6, 2024, primary election. No evidence was found that the late reporting was done to intentionally conceal campaign activity from the public.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely and accurately submit C-4 reports disclosing a minor amount in expenditures and in-kind contributions does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Christina Riley will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately disclose expenditures made by the 2024 Riley Campaign. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Ms. Riley 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 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

January 31, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 147863 Riley Christina Warning - Respondent.pdf
• 147863 Christina Riley Complaint.pdf
• 147863 Riley Christina Response.pdf