RALEIGH, N.C. -- A former North Carolina lobbyist has been fined $111,000 for violating the state's rules for identifying their employer.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that Don Beason is fighting the fine imposed by the Secretary of State's office.
Beason and his son are accused of lobbying while being paid with money funneled by five undisclosed clients through a New Jersey company to try to hide who was trying to influence lawmakers. Mark Beason has been fined $6,000.
The Beasons have appealed to an administrative law judge, saying the decision by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall's office is wrong and the penalty is "arbitrary and capricious."
Marshall says she cannot discuss the details.
The Beasons' lawyer, Jack Nichols, says Don Beason didn't know the money was being funneled through other clients.
Information from: The News & Observer
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