State Elections Agency Investigates Hwang Purchases

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The State Elections Enforcement Commission voted on Sept. 16 to authorize an investigation into purchases made by state Rep. Tony Hwang that allegedly used campaign funds.

The state Elections Enforcement Commission has approved an investigation into campaign spending by state Rep. Tony Hwang.
Photo Credit: *File*

Joe Jenkins

09/24/2014 1:30 p.m.

The complaint alleges that Hwang, R-Fairfield/Trumbull, failed to properly disclose wardrobe and sign purchases made with campaign funds in his 2012 and 2014 SEEC filings.

Under SEEC rules, the investigator will analyze documents, collect evidence and interview witnesses, and prepare an investigation report for the case manager and members of the commission.

The commission may then dismiss the matter, authorize the staff to try to resolve the matter without a hearing, find reason to believe that a violation of law occurred and proceed to a hearing, or refer the matter to the state’s attorney for criminal prosecution.

"The State Elections Enforcement Committee's rules are very clear on how expenditures are to be made, documented and accounted for postelection," Heather Dean, chairwoman of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee, said in a statement. "After reviewing Rep. Hwang's disclosure reports, we believe they are lacking in this area and need clarification."

Hwang released a statement, saying that he was cooperating with the investigation.

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