Thursday, June 24, 2010

Palin defense fund ruled illegal

St. Louis Globe-Democrat

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska, June 24 (UPI) -- An independent counsel has found a legal defense fund for former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin provided "private financial benefit" for her in violation of state law.

Anchorage, Alaska, attorney Tim Petumenos said Palin -- whose supporters established the fund to help her pay legal bills in an investigation of several ethics complaints against her -- has agreed to return $386,856 donated to the trust prior to her resignation as governor last year, the Anchorage Daily News reported Thursday.

Petumenos said Palin personally gained from the defense fund's use of her official position as governor in appealing for donations. He also concluded that Kristen Cole, the fund's trustee, provided "substantial private benefit" to Palin, although Cole was a public official the newspaper said.

Cole had been appointed by Palin to head several state boards, including the royalty oil and gas advisory board." More>>>>

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