Charges Filed Against Hobbs Over Campaign Contributions

As of Thursday, December 9, 2010

District Attorney Maureen Krueger filed criminal charges Thursday morning against former state Sen. Fred Hobbs over political campaign contributions.

Documents she filed with the court allege Hobbs made illegal corporate contributions to the 2008 political campaigns of Gov. Beverly Perdue and outgoing N.C. Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight. They allege Hobbs, acting as an officer of his company, Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates, “made or caused to be” illegal contributions. The charges are misdemeanors.

At the same time, in Raleigh, the State Board of Elections fined Hobbs $150,000 for illegally “making political contributions in the name of another” as a result of a settlement agreement with him.

The state board hearing Thursday morning came in response to a complaint filed by state Republican Party Chairman Tom Fetzer, who said political donations by employees of Hobbs Upchurch and Associates looked suspicious.

Speaking to the board on his client’s behalf, Raleigh attorney Michael Weisel stressed that Hobbs had cooperated fully, had disclosed everything, provided all supporting documentation and provided interviews whose transcripts were part of the record before the board.

“I believe that everything has been fully disclosed,” Weisel said. “Certainly it will come out after the (criminal) matter is resolved with Moore County.”

The state board has been assisting Krueger in her investigation, but many details have not yet been made public.

For more see Friday's print edition of The Pilot.

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SoPinesNo1 2 years, 5 months ago

It's amazing that actions that justify a $150,000 fine still fall in the category of being a misdemeanor.

Poundman 2 years, 5 months ago

WRAL stated Hobbs and Upchurch had been awarded $570 million in federal and State contracts over the years, seems like the $150K fine was worth it.

None 2 years, 5 months ago

SoPinesNo1 says...December 9, 2010 at 2:31 p.m.

The North Carolina Board of Elections doesn't impose fines for criminal offenses; just for election law violations (i.e. Mike Easely) $1000.00 fine.

The district attorney files charges based on violation of criminal laws - North Carolina General Statues.

SoPinesNo1 2 years, 5 months ago

@Toda

I realize that the fine is imposed by a different agency. What I am saying is that something that is so wrong that it justifies a $150,000 fine by the Board of Elections, should be more than a mere misdemeanor in the eyes of the law.

temperanceprudence 2 years, 5 months ago

I wonder how this will affect his status as a licensed engineer? Many of the State licensing boards seem to take a dim view of ethical breaches by their licensees...that could have a big impact on his ability to continue with his firm since in general, the Professional Corporations Act usually requires the firm to have a majority of the ownership held by licensees in 'good standing' with the respective board...seems like there are a lot more threads yet to unravel in this sadly-knit sweater.

@SoPinesNo1 - I agree with you wholeheartedly - if a person does something so significant as to engender a $150,000 fine, then it ought to be a minor felony (at least), not just a misdemeanor.

@ChuckT - sadly, I think you are spot-on as well...enough money greases the path to freedom in the modern farce of a justice system we are saddled with....