Earlier this afternoon, Larry Leake, chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, acknowledged an ongoing criminal investigation into possible campaign finance violations by former Gov. Mike Easley.
Leake did not elaborate on the investigation during the board of elections meeting, but he did say that the N.C. Democratic Party had forwarded a check for around $24,000 to the SBE in reimbursement for funds that it was concerned were not properly reported.
Leake also said that Easley?s campaign provided a check slightly in excess of $2,000 to correct errors that might have been made in campaign finance disclosure.
There was speculation before the meeting that the board might schedule a public hearing to review possible violations of campaign finance law by Easley. Leake said that just because no such announcement was made ?does not mean the investigation is over,? and that the investigation ?will be as full and complete as can be.?
State Board of Elections members Charles Winfree (center) and Bill Peaslee (right) listen to Chairman Larry Leake explain that the board?s staff has not completed an investigation of the Mike Easley campaign finance issues.
Board Chairman Larry Leake answers reporters questions following the meeting.
Photo credit: Don Carrington
