State ethics panel sanctions former District 1 candidate

A former candidate for District 1 Arkansas state representative was recently sanctioned by the state's Ethics Commission for 14 violations related to campaign finance reporting.

Rusty Latham lost the race for the seat representing the district that encompasses Texarkana, Ark., to Texarkana lawyer Carol Dalby earlier this year. Latham entered into a settlement which includes a public letter of caution and the imposition of a $250 fine, according to a public Sept. 16 letter to Latham from the commission.

The commission found that Latham failed to report expenses for signs, shirts and advertising on multiple occasions. Latham failed to accurately report campaign contributions and failed to disclose campaign fund balances. The commission found that Latham repeatedly failed to provide accurate information on Contribution and Expenditure and Statement of Financial Interest reports.

The letter notes that Latham failed to file a Statement of Financial Interest report for calendar year 2015 and failed to file a pre-election Contribution and Expenditure report for the 2016 primary election.

The letter indicates Latham corrected the reporting after being contacted by the commission.

"It is noted that you have filed a Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2015 and amended Contribution and Expenditure reports to provide additional information and correct mathematical errors in the original filings," the letter states.

The public letter of caution states that it is advisory, "and serves to give clear notice that your actions violated the law."

[email protected]