The Oregon Department of Justice Criminal Justice Division (CJD) has concluded its investigation into a $500,000 contribution made by Mr. Nishad Singh to the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO), initially reported under the name "Prime Trust." The CJD found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges, determining that the state would be unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Singh or any other individual committed a crime.
In referring the matter to CJD, the Secretary’s office requested an assessment on whether “Nishad Singh violated ORS 260.402 by knowingly making a contribution in a false name to the Democratic Party of Oregon on October 4, 2022.”
CJD summarized its comprehensive investigation in a letter to Elections Program Manager Alma Whalen. The investigation included reviews of documents and email communications, as well as interviews with Singh, DPO employees and consultants, and individuals who worked with Singh.
“To support criminal charges in this case, the state would need evidence sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Singh made the contribution in a name other than his own and that he did so knowingly. Evidence that the contribution was made in a false name because of miscommunication, inadvertence, or negligence would not suffice,” said Michael Slauson, chief counsel of CJD, who oversaw the day-to-day work of the investigation. Attorney General Rosenblum recused herself from the investigation.
The Secretary of State also asked to be informed if CJD’s investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that DPO knowingly received a contribution made in a false name. CJD did not discover any evidence that would demonstrate this beyond a reasonable doubt.