FEC v. Caulder
Summary
On June 16, 1992, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled that Michael Caulder violated 2 U.S.C. §432(b)(3) by knowingly and willfully commingling his personal funds with $51,600 belonging to Alerted Democratic Majority, a political committee. (Defendant had embezzled the committee's funds and supplied false information on the committee's FEC reports in order to disguise the embezzlement.)
The court imposed a $103,200 civil penalty against Mr. Caulder but, in view of his depleted financial situation, suspended all but $3,000 of the penalty, to be paid in monthly installments. The court also permanently enjoined him from violating §432(b)(3) and from engaging in any activity that would result in his being responsible for political committee funds, accounts, financial records or FEC reports.
The FEC may request full payment of the suspended penalty if it discovers that defendant made inaccurate or misleading representations during the litigation or that he violated any terms of the court order. The FEC may also request full or partial payment of the penalty should Mr. Caulder's financial circumstances improve. The court's order and judgment were agreed to by both the FEC and Mr. Caulder. (Civil Action No. 91-CV-5906.)
Source: FEC Record — August 1992