An independent investigator has found evidence that Gov. Sarah Palin may have violated ethics laws by accepting private donations to pay her legal debts.
The report obtained by The Associated Press says Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.
An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund.
It looks like this one might have been the one filed by Kim Chatman back on April 27 of this year. Well it looks like the Personnel Board was unable to protect Palin from ALL of the complaints even though we know they gave it their very best.
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Poor, poor Sarah. She should have just tried to be honest and use the State's resources instead of hiring her own attorney. She wouldn't have had all of these bills but then , she would have to tell the truth and Lord knows that she can't do that.
ReplyDeleteAny tweets from her about this? They should be "flying from her fingertips" any second now. Maybe the personnel board will develop a spine and start to really look at these issues. But I ain't holding my breath.
ReplyDeleteOh Happy Day! Can't wait to get more information on this one. So why the independent investigator or is that normal process? I'm thinking it isn't since some of the others they didn't even look into.
ReplyDeleteJoy Joy Joy!
It's interesting that it has taken a week for the details of that report to be released, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteCan we toss her tail in jail before she officially resigns? That would be nice.
ReplyDeletethe peeee heads are going' nutz! again!
ReplyDeleteWay to go KIM!
ReplyDelete"The report recommends that Palin refuse to accept payment from the defense fund, and that the complaint be resolved without a formal hearing before the Alaska Personnel Board."
ReplyDeleteso it won't go to the board. opps. what if she already took some to pay her lawyer?
"Palin was given a copy of the investigator's report a week ago, Chatman said Tuesday."
"She's not acknowledging the fact that the ethics complaint was credible," Chatman said. "When ethics complaints are dismissed, she's quick to publicly respond but this one, she's sitting on."
Well I don't think this is necessarily that (oops ... insert forbidden word here) that we have been waiting for, but this might be the other shoe dropping? And coupled with the latest ethic violation complaint regarding gifts, there should be some interest by the IRS? Will she get more than a slap on the wrist?
ReplyDeleteWOW!
ReplyDeleteJuJu and other anon C4pers - we told you so. My condolensces in the effort it will require for you to spin this.
This is a big one. I wonder why she was able to get away with Artic cat money and advertising for them?
ReplyDeleteI hope they will rule on all the presents too!
Worth repeating...
ReplyDeleteSarah Palin is a liar, hypocrite, ignoramus, coward and fraud.
I just heard this reported on CNN tv. It's not on their Web site yet... will keep looking.
ReplyDeleteFinally, something sticks! Go Kim Chatman!!
So? Van Flein will decide the "crime" and designate the "punishment." If Van Flien says she needs to pay, say $25 for her "mistake," then $25 it is and case closed. See children's travel payback for precedent. I am absolutely convinced that justice will not be served until one or more of her ILLEGAL (forget "unethical") deeds is brought to the State or Federal courts.Personnel Board = useless and unwilling to even read the complaints, deeming them "frivolous" prior to even looking at them.
ReplyDeleteThe only good I see from this story is that the AP picked it up; Perhaps a few more Americans will wake up.
Here is the ORIGINAL confidential report:
ReplyDeletehttp://ktuu.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/0721-Legal_Defense.pdf
HERE IS THE FULL AP STORY ON PALIN & CHAPMAN ETHICS COMPLAINT: IT HAS SOME VERY IMPORTANT INFO NOT IN THE ADN VERSION ! !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/21/palin-implicated-in-ethic_n_242281.html
Jul 21, 5:11 PM EDT
AP NewsBreak: Palin implicated in ethics probe
By RACHEL D'ORO
Associated Press Writer
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/21/palin-implicated-in-ethic_n_242281.html
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- An independent investigator has found evidence that Gov. Sarah Palin may have violated ethics laws by accepting private donations to pay her legal debts, in the latest legal distraction for the former vice presidential candidate as she prepares to leave office this week.
The report obtained by The Associated Press says Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.
An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund.
The practical effect of the ruling on Palin will be more financial than anything else. The report recommends that Palin refuse to accept payment from the defense fund, and that the complaint be resolved without a formal hearing before the Alaska Personnel Board.
The fund aims to help Palin pay off debts stemming from multiple ethics complaints against her, most of which have been dismissed. Palin says she owes more than $500,000 in legal fees, and she cited the mounting toll of the ethics probes as one of the reasons she is leaving office.
A call seeking comment from her lawyer and an e-mail to her spokeswoman were not immediately returned.
Palin's friends and supporters created the Alaska Fund Trust in April, limiting donations to $150 per person. Organizers declined to say how much it has raised, and had hoped to raise about $500,000. A Webathon last month brought in about $130,000 in pledges.
In his report, attorney Thomas Daniel said his interpretation of the ethics act is consistent with common sense.
An ordinary citizen facing legal charges is not likely to be able to generate donations to a legal defense fund, he wrote. "In contrast, Governor Palin is able to generate donations because of the fact that she is a public official and a public figure. Were it not for the fact that she is governor and a national political figure, it is unlikely that many citizens would donate money to her legal defense fund."
The ethics complaint was filed by Eagle River resident Kim Chatman shortly after the fund was created, alleging Palin was misusing her official position and accepting improper gifts.
Palin was given a copy of the investigator's report a week ago, Chatman said Tuesday.
"It's an absolute shame that she would continue to keep the Alaska Fund Trust Web site up and running," Chatman told the AP.
At least 19 ethics complaints have been filed against Palin, most of them after she was named the running mate for GOP presidential candidate John McCain. Most of those have been dismissed, and Palin's office usually sends a news release with the announcement.
"She's not acknowledging the fact that the ethics complaint was credible," Chatman said. "When ethics complaints are dismissed, she's quick to publicly respond but this one, she's sitting on."
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.
What is amazing is that the web site is still operating. Maybe she thinks once she is not governor, no one can tell her what to do and she will be able to use the money?? Also isn't it just as unethical to use Sarahpac money to pay off her legal debt. I also thought John Coale said they already paid off her legal debt 500,000 from the campaign? It all smells fishy.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course she wouldn't tweet about this! That is probably because she is scheming how to get around this so she can use the money! She lied (duh) in her tweets by saying she's been cleared of all frivolous complaints!! What a piece of work Palin is. Do they blame "political operatives" for this too? Isn't Kim from Alaska and Republican?? This is good but it's kind of like having your wrist slapped. She's abused her position since she was elected and she still does not get it or admit she was wrong!
Here is the correct link to my previous post re: Palin and ethics complaint breaking news.
ReplyDeletehttp://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PALIN_ETHICS_COMPLAINT?SITE=ORBEN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Why would Palin do that knowing she was being watched evidenced by all those previous complaints? I don't remember who helped her with that trust, but doesn't she have legal counsel? Own fault. Heck, I still don't understand why she was not held accountable for all family travel and expenses from day one. Maybe the spouse traveling occasionally. And what about her refusing to live in the Governor's Mansion; that should not cost taxpayers extra monies.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be the penalty for such a violation? Another slap on the hand? Oh, I expect the victim card will be played. Would that trust be covered under the IRS regulations? Just wonderin'
Where did I read about this one before? We can only hope this unravels the whole criminal enterprise. Kristin Cole needs to be probed and join her mommy dear. These are the type of people that should not be allowed to have a bank account. Is there a forever audit status? Palin's PB will let her slide again if they can. I'd like to see a law suit against them all. Ethics complaints are fine but these people are criminals and they need to be charged in a court of law.
ReplyDeleteWell maybe this is the thread to pull that will unravel everything. Time for the popcorn!
ReplyDeleteI heard Breaking News today here in Maine that there are documents that prove Palin was unethical in this matter. Oh boy! What will Sarah do now? I bet she'll start tweetering in favor of our soldiers in the hopes some of them will come to her rescue! She's such a damsel in distress, you know. Of course, she causes her own problems but the neck droolers who support her don't care! All they see are boobs and prettiness. *shaking head*
ReplyDeleteSo, now it goes to the Personnel Board.
ReplyDeleteAnd they dismiss it.
Right?
Isn't that what they always do?
Is this the iceburg? Is there more coming. Gosh, I sure hope so.
ReplyDeleteAnd she has known about it for a week!
ReplyDeleteAnd there have been NO tweets!
And Van Flein is silent.
OMG
In this final battle, one Palin lie follows after another Palin lie. First Sarah claimed that this information was new, although she already received the report a week ago, and now she tweeted that the report was not final - but the investigator expressly said that this was his final opinion: http://tinyurl.com/mcluhj
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see a independent investigator uncovered something. Who would this person be working for? Surely not the ADN or KTUU as these media outlets have kept their distance. I am not a Palin supporter but it seems as though everyone is making a living writing about Sarah but it has been tough finding a professional investigative journalist to go after her. Shannon Moore has become famous just reciting back what others have dug up or rumored. Please someone with some $ backing and professionalism help us out. Alaska needs you as does the whole nation.
ReplyDeleteGryph,
ReplyDeleteSlow down bro.. Fix the typo in the headline..."independant" should read, "independent" and maybe change "did violate" to "may have" or "found probable cause".
Just keeping it real. let seeofpeee get the details wrong...
Peace,
sjk
A little voice in the back of my mind is whispering that the Palin camp leaked the report themselves in order to have the findings dismissed.....I think I'll reserve my thoughts about the person who leaked the report until we know a little more.
ReplyDeleteOh she's twittering alright!! She says AP is wrong and that this hasn't been decided yet. She said she was just asked for more info. She accepts no responsibility. All her followers and C4p are freaking out and saying the media hates Palin . They want to know why others can have a defense fund and not Sarah?
ReplyDeleteI don't answer any if her nutty followers. I am sorry I signed up for Twitter and sorry Grypen I told you to!! Her wing nuts can be nasty!! I simply retweeted a few articles and one of her loons called me a hater & said I needed therapy. I looked at this sick chicks tweets and every ine was about Palin and Sarah is the answer and blah, blah, blah. The woman is obsessed with Sarah! She is part of their web brigade. What a stupid idea trying to tell people what they can or can't say on the Internet. A great way to win votes!! No it's a great way to turn someone from a nonsupporter to a hater. They honestly think Sarah is a goddess and never does anything wrong! She does and it's to damn early to be running for president so I wish Sarah and her web brigade would STFU!!!
anon. @ 3:20 - not funny. It was not funny when Buchannan spoke about drowning Levi, and it is not amusing to suggest a public hanging (of ANYONE). The wheels of justice move slowly, but I have no doubt the wheels are turning.
ReplyDeleteOn Rachel tonight.
ReplyDeleteLots of lies are coming apart. The proverbial house of cards, or igloo of yellow snow is about to hit her upside the head. IMHO only....
ReplyDeleteAny takers on the over/under for an indictment the week of the 27th? I say Tuesday the 28th the berg hits.
Zaki said this is the burg.
ReplyDeleteThis IS the iceberg. See Dennis Zakii's page. Or is there more we don't know yet? It took us a week to find this out.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching Rachel and Burke of KTUU discussing the report, seems as long as she didn't spend any money it could have been worked out. Seems the Alaska law is unique and the lawmakers could just change it later so another politician would be able to benefit from the fund. It could be that the money is all hers once she leaves office. I don't know. Heck, if that was the case, the Alaskans would be indebted to those contributors!! LOL
ReplyDeleteGo Rachel ... the Pee people must be drowning in their own hypocrisy. When it hits the mainstream, your reputation takes a HUGE hit. People only remember the charges - the solution might be buried, but the individual takes the hit.
ReplyDeleteShe's done - even if she sweeps it under a rug, it is out there where anyone can find it.
These things have a way of sticking like limpets.
Couldn't happen to a nicer public dirtbag.
So, Thomas Daniels’ recommendations are to take corrective action without a formal hearing; for Palin to refuse to accept payment for her legal fees and costs from the ATF; withdraw her authorization for the trust to be recognized as her “official” legal defense fund; and seek reimbursement from the state for the cost of defending the ethics complaints that have been dismissed.
ReplyDeleteThat’s it? Another slap on the wrist? What am I missing here? Please tell me I am missing something. My hopes held more substantial consequences!
"All options are open in terms of legal remedies. It is a clear violation of Alaska law that Mr. Daniel explicitly reviewed with Ms. Chatman prior to her illegal actions. We will be contacting the appropriate authorities for review and action."
ReplyDeleteThomas Van Flein
Private Attorney for Sarah Palin
How about this little piece of info. Also, you might want to check on the law firm that the "independent" investigator works for. The firm
has been working for OBAMA and has made over a million dollars from him since Sept. Also, the firm gave very large contributions to OBAMA's campaign...so much for independent investigator.
Seems to me that if "corrective action" means she must withdraw her authorization, the money isn't hers.
ReplyDeleteAs far as seeking reimbursement from the state is concerned, the state should deduct the 2-1/2 years of per-diems from the total first.
She might end up still owing the state. That would be the just thing to do.
Oh, and the state supreme court should order that AFT account frozen.
This is NOT going to land Palin behind bars !
ReplyDeleteAll they have to do is come to a settlement where she says she was not aware that state law did not permit the fund (unlike federal law that does) i.e. she pleads ignorance (no stretch there) and IF SHE HAS NOT ALREADY TAKEN MONEY FROM THE FUND, she simply agrees not to.
IF she has taken money, she can pay it back--I am sure they will make arrangements for her to do that.
The Personnel Board is NOT going to hang her on this. This will be the same as the $8,100 payback on the kids travel i.e. settle and therefore no finding of guilt.
The investigator simply gives a "probable cause" for guilt. It is up to the personnel board to decide she was in the wrong. The Personnel Board is the only authority here; the investigator has NO authority and if you take the time to read his report, he explains all this.
This does not look good for her, but unless there is more revealed that we don't know about, it is not devastating either.
It certainly puts a cramp in her style and will cause her narcissistic problem to go beserk.
Palin is approaching criticle mass with the negative "narcissistic supply" and the national media coverage of her bursting reality bubble.
It is a psychotic breakdown that is coming and THAT is what will "finish her."
Unless fraud or some kind of criminal act is uncovered, some kind of fraud, there will be no "greybar hotel" for Palin. Unfortunately.
However, I still think phsycial violence on her part is a distinct reality though it may take a while after she is out of the public eye. Her reality bubble is not protecting her and her family is going to have a hard time enabling her much longer.
Juju... Palin likes to threaten legal action all the time... but for some reason she never follows through.
ReplyDeleteI must say though I am quite dissapointed that this is the iceberg. Doesn't live up to the hype.
JMO, the woman is Borderline Personality Disordered (scary) with a narcissistic underlayment (yes, underlayment is a made-up word, but it serves the purpose).
ReplyDeleteI believe you're correct, onejrkitty, there will be violence... and the scary thing about BPD women is they will pick up a weapon during a rage, whereas a BPD man will just use his hands to choke or wrist-bend.
We should probably pray for Dude.
Palin is living up to the long tradition of sleazy and corrupt Alaska politicians. What's in the water up there anyway?
ReplyDeleteAnd how's that "Open and Transparent" and "ethics reformed" government workin' out for ya Sarah?
Same old, same old.
The mighty Juju wrote: "The firm has been working for OBAMA and has made over a million dollars from him since Sept. Also, the firm gave very large contributions to OBAMA's campaign...so much for independent investigator."
ReplyDeleteLink, please?
And even it is true: so what?
Millions of people worked for Obama and are now. Check your watch. They are working for him right this second. Why? He is our PRESIDENT. Hello! Wake up call to you! Americans DO WORK FOR THE PRESIDENT. People DO CAMPAIGN for Democratic nominees!
(I know it's hard for the OleRacists4P to understand...)
Palin is surrounded by her "cronies" in AK, and they are turning on her. She is grifty moldy old toast with whiskers.
DUH...no problem with the attorney investigator's firm working for OBAMA, Kerry, etc. or contributing money to them. But, please don't call him an INDEPENDENT investigator.
ReplyDeletejuju, "independence" in this case is not predicated on party affiliation. Independence here refers to a "third party" investigative status.
ReplyDeleteI have 4 degrees, juju. I can debate you on legal terminology all day long.
Let's go.