California / IN BRIEF : SACRAMENTO : Carpenter Campaign Reports Questioned

Adding to the woes of ex-Sen. Paul B. Carpenter, the state Fair Political Practices Commission on Thursday accused the former lawmaker and State Board of Equalization member of repeatedly filing false campaign expenditure reports in violation of state law. The FPPC contends that Carpenter reported paying money to a Santa Monica public relations company from 1987 through 1989 “for professional management and consulting services,” although no work was performed and the money was intended to benefit then-Sen. Alan E. Robbins. The civil charges are similar to those contained in a federal criminal indictment of Carpenter and lobbyist Clayton R. Jackson, which was filed in February. Carpenter has pleaded not guilty in the federal political corruption case, slated for trial in October. The former legislator is also awaiting a retrial in a second federal case, scheduled for June. Carpenter could face a maximum fine of $40,000 for the 20 counts of improper campaign reporting.