OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Dec. 19 that his office has filed a complaint in Thurston County Superior Court against Teresa Purcell for alleged campaign finance violations. Purcell is a former Democratic legislative candidate in the 19th Legislative District.
According to Ferguson’s office, Purcell failed to timely report debts and obligations as they were incurred. Purcell allegedly filed reports only when the invoices were paid, which often occurred months later. Ferguson also charged Purcell with failing to report complete information for 42 of her contributors.
The case began in October when Ferguson received a citizen action notice from Glen Morgan alleging multiple campaign finance violations by Purcell and her committee, People for Teresa Purcell. After reviewing the complaint, the state discovered that Purcell purportedly bought services such as video and film creation, political advertising and yard signs, and did not report the debts until invoices were paid.
Ferguson’s office seeks penalties and injunctive relief. The defendants have 20 days from the date they were served to respond to the complaint. Senior assistant attorney general Linda Dalton and assistant attorney general Walter Smith are handling the case.