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Man faces charges for violating Maryland campaign finance laws

On Behalf of | Feb 7, 2014 | Theft & Property Crimes

When you have anything to do with a political campaign, you have to make sure that you handle the funds appropriately. Any mishandling of campaign funds can potentially lead to criminal charges. Because of this risk, you should be well-versed in the Maryland campaign finance laws prior to doing anything with campaign funds. For one man, alleged mishandling of campaign funds in his grandmother’s campaign has led to him facing criminal charges.

The man is accused of taking $17,600 in campaign funds. He was his grandmother’s campaign treasurer from July 2006 through November 2009. He allegedly wrote unauthorized checks to pay himself and the woman who is now his wife. He is accused of forging another campaign treasurer’s name to pay bills to Comcast and Verizon. Prosecutors allege that he continued to write checks to himself in 2010 after he stepped aside as the treasurer for the campaign.

The man faces fraudulent misappropriation of campaign funds, a felony theft charge, and a violation relating to election law. He faces up to $40,000 in fines and 21 years in prison if he is convicted on all the charges he faces.

This case is proof that it is vitally important to ensure that campaign funds in your care are always handled in a manner that is in accordance with the law. If something happens and you are accused of misusing campaign funds, it is important that you understand the allegations against you. Consulting with someone well versed in Maryland campaign finance laws and criminal charges can help you determine if you made a mistake. You can also learn how to properly answer the charges against you.

Source: NewsTimes.com, “Maryland man charged with campaign fund theft” No author given, Jan. 27, 2014