AUGUSTA — Today, in a bipartisan vote, the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices found the Bobby Charles campaign guilty of violating campaign finance laws and fined over $22,000 in penalties. The campaign accepted $45,315.98 in illegal over-the-limit campaign contributions.

This ruling came after the Maine Democratic Party noticed substantial illegal contributions in the Charles finances and filed a formal ethics complaint to the governing body.

A Commissioner noted that the Charles campaign admitted to knowing about their illegal contributions in September, but chose to do nothing until after the October Maine Democratic Party complaint.

“Bobby Charles is willing to do just about anything to get elected, even if it means breaking the law,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “Contribution limits exist to prevent wealthy donors from gaining undue influence over candidates, and returning the money after getting caught doesn’t erase what happened. Mainers deserve a governor who respects the law, not a politician who sees it as an inconvenience on the road to power. The Commission’s fine makes clear that campaign finance laws apply to everyone, and Bobby Charles is no exception.”

“The Commission did the right thing and sent a clear message to the Charles campaign: You are not above the law,” said Maine Democratic Party Spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen. “Bobby Charles’ blatant disregard for law and order is disqualifying and now he must face the consequences of his actions. Today it was at the Ethics Commission, next week it will be at the ballot box. Mainers deserve transparency and accountability. The Commission ruled in favor of Maine people.”