Probe of Chairez campaign finances ends

The Federal Election Committee has closed its investigation into former District Judge Don Chairez's congressional campaign finances without taking action.

The committee was asked to look into Chairez's campaign finances in November following his loss to Shelley Berkley.

John Delap alleged that Chairez's campaign committee accepted $27,000 for the primaries after the primary election was held, accepted excessive contributions from two political action committees and accepted $1,000 from the Henderson Police Officers Association, which was an unregistered organization.

However, according to FEC documents, the evidence gathered "shows no serious intent to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act, and this matter is less significant relative to other matters pending before the commission."

FEC documents indicate that Chairez's committee admitted to making mistakes in accounting for and reporting contributions and expenditures, but attributed it to an inexperienced campaign staff.

Chairez's committee took corrective measures and returned about $3,150 in contributions to the police officers association and four individuals, according to the FEC.

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