PORTLAND — After the Maine Democratic Party filed a formal ethics complaint over Bobby Charles’ illegal campaign contributions, the Maine Ethics Commission has identified that his campaign accepted more than $50,000 in illegal funds.

According to a memo from the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, they “noticed a high number of over-the-limit contributions relative to other gubernatorial campaigns and prior election year” and outlines “reasonable expectations for a campaign for Governor,” which include campaigns returning excessive funds on their own, without any request by the Commission.

On the 26th, the Commission will have a hearing to discuss next steps. This is the second item on the newly released agenda.

Statement from Maine Democratic Party Spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen:

“Bobby Charles has accepted more than $50,000 in illegal campaign contributions and is only being held accountable after we called out his flagrant violations. Even the Commission noted the extraordinary number of excessive contributions and made clear that campaigns for governor should know to return illegal funds without being asked.

“Charles couldn’t even manage to follow basic campaign finance laws. That disregard for the rule of law is disqualifying for someone asking Maine voters to trust him as their chief executive.”