September, 20 2010, 02:03pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Garrett Russo 202.408.5565
CREW Calls For Federal Criminal Investigation Into Christine O'Donnell for Campaign Finance Fraud
WASHINGTON
Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed complaints with the Delaware U.S. Attorney's Office and the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against newly-minted Delaware senatorial candidate Christine O'Donnell (R) for using campaign funds for personal living expenses.
By misusing campaign funds, Ms. O'Donnell committed the crime of conversion; by lying about her expenditures on forms she filed with the FEC, she committed false statements; and by failing to include the campaign funds she misappropriated as income, she committed tax evasion.
"Christine O'Donnell is clearly a criminal, and like any crook she should be prosecuted," said Melanie Sloan, CREW Executive Director. "Ms. O'Donnell has spent years embezzling money from her campaign to cover her personal expenses. Republicans and Democrats don't agree on much these days, but both sides should agree on one point: thieves belong in jail not the United States Senate."
CREW's complaint is based, in part, on the affidavit of former campaign aide David Keegan. Mr. Keegan explained that in 2009, when Ms. O'Donnell was out of money, she paid her landlord, Brent Vasher, two months rent out of her campaign funds. On FEC forms, Ms. O'Donnell called the expenditures "expense reimbursements." Mr. Keegan also attested that Ms. O'Donnell routinely used campaign funds for meals and gas, and even a bowling outing. This is not surprising given that Ms. O'Donnell has not held a steady job or had a discernable source of income for many years.
"If you need money to pay the rent and eat, you get a job; you don't start a Senate campaign so unsuspecting donors can support you," said Sloan.
CREW has asked the Delaware U.S. Attorney's Office to start an immediate criminal inquiry and has asked the FEC to conduct a full audit of all of Ms. O'Donnell's campaign expenses to learn the full extent of Ms. O'Donnell's thievery.
CLICK HERE to read CREW's letter to Delaware U.S. Attorney David C. Wiess, requesting an investigation.
CLICK HERE to read CREW's letter of complaint to the FEC regarding Christine O'Donnell.
CLICK HERE to see CREW's exhibits of evidence regarding Christine O'Donnell.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials -- regardless of party affiliation -- who sacrifice the common good to special interests. CREW advances its mission using a combination of research, litigation and media outreach.
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