Former mayor ordered to pay $16,900 for failure to disclose donation reports, misuse of campaign funds

The State Ethics Commission sought sanctions against a former mayor of Augusta for alleged violations of campaign-finance law. The Court determined the former mayor committed the following violations:  failing to timely file private financial disclosure statements; failing to timely file campaign contribution disclosure reports; and making two improper expenditures from campaign contributions.  However, the Court found the Commission failed to prove the former mayor made multiple other improper expenditures. After evaluating the intentions, severity, and consequences of these violations, the Court ordered a total of $16,900 in civil penalties.