Former Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is under investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for possible violations concerning her handling of expenditures and possible violations of ORS 244.040(1) and ORS 244.120(2).

On August 11, OGEC concluded a Preliminary Review and moved to do a full investigation. At issue is Fagan's use of state money used for travel and lodging for her romantic partner, children and pets. The preliminary report also questions whether, "On a number of occasions, Ms. Fagan submitted reimbursement requests to the Secretary of State's Office, but available information appears to show that she may have submitted the same or similar requests for reimbursement or payment by her campaign funds, or by sponsoring entities such as the National Lieutenant Governors Association."

The complaint was filed by former State Representative Julie Parrish on June 13, 2023. On July 1 -- just two and a half weeks later -- Fagan made a payment to her campaign PAC for $1,573.33 described as "reimbursement of personal expenditure funds," possibly in an attempt to do damage control.

Fagan is already facing an ethics investigation by OGEC that led to her resignation as Secretary of State on May 8 of this year.

The Oregon Secretary of State is paid $77,000 per year.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-09-01 10:37:50

Last Update: 2023-09-01 11:21:15