In this month’s edition of the Ferguson File, I discuss why I called for the immediate resignation of State Auditor Troy Kelley.
We’ll look at why it’s not a good idea to move a river in Washington.
I also discuss what the Attorney General’s Office is doing to protect student loan borrowers, and how we are making your community safer.
I appreciate your interest in the work of the Attorney General's Office.
Sincerely,
Bob Ferguson
Washington State Attorney General
Accused state auditor must resign – public trust is at stake
Last week, I called for the immediate resignation of State Auditor Troy Kelley, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple criminal charges. Taking leave from his position until the legal process is completed does not serve the public well. The Auditor’s Office needs a working leader.
I want to thank the staff of the Auditor’s Office for continuing their important work for the people of Washington during this difficult time. This news has shaken public confidence in state government and its leaders, especially because it involves the integrity of the very office that exists to hold state and local governments accountable for the use of public funds. Troy Kelley needs to resign immediately.
It’s payback time for unscrupulous student loan processor
I recently announced a lawsuit against a California student loan processing company that exploited scores of borrowers looking for help with debt consolidation and repayment assistance programs.
My lawsuit accuses StudentLoanProcessing.US and its president, James Krause, of illegally charging borrowers hundreds of dollars in processing and application fees to help them access assistance that the federal government already provides for free. The company charged a total of 88 Washington consumers about $132,000 in illegal fees.
American borrowers are carrying more than a trillion dollars in student loan debt, and those seeking help to tackle their financial burden can be attractive targets for scammers. If you need assistance with student loan debt, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the National Consumer Law Center for FREE information.
A Mason County man was sentenced to 30 days in jail for attempting to redirect the Tahuya River, seriously damaging the waterway and threatening the health of fish, wildlife and downstream neighbors.
In 2013, William Cayo Sr. used heavy equipment to alter the course of the river near his home. The Environmental Crimes Unit of the Attorney General’s Office charged him with multiple violations of our state’s environmental protection laws, including the Water Pollution Control Act and the Shorelines Management Act.
He was convicted on all counts, and a Mason County judge sentenced him to 30 days in jail on each count, to be served concurrently, $8,143 in fines, two years of probation and an order to follow civil and criminal environmental laws.
A restitution hearing is set for June 26. Another 334 days of jail time were suspended by the judge. If Mr. Cayo violates the law again, he’ll face that sentence on top of any new penalties.
Prosecuting environmental crimes continues to be a high priority for my office, and we will hold accountable those who harm our environment.
Olympic Animal Sanctuary owner back in the dog house - collared for 48 state violations
Even though the Olympic Animal Sanctuary is no longer in business and all of the animals have been removed from the site, legal troubles continue for the organization’s founder and Executive Director Stephen C. Markwell.
Last summer, my office filed a lawsuit against Markwell under the state Consumer Protection Act, alleging he was operating his dog rescue organization, located in Forks, as an illegal charity in Washington. On April 3, Clallam County Superior Court Judge George Wood ruled that Markwell committed 48 violations of state fundraising laws when he failed to register his charity with the Secretary of State and failed to properly account for how he spent at least $360,000 in donations. He is now facing more than $100,000 in fines and legal fees.
When organizations don’t comply with our state’s laws protecting the integrity of charitable giving in Washington, my office steps in to protect the public. For more information on finding charities, and tips for giving wisely, visit the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/givewisely.aspx.
AGO request to protect communities from sex offenders moves forward
I’m pleased that the Legislature has approved my request to improve community safety in our state by strengthening Washington’s Sexually Violent Predator statute. I proposed a bill this session to close a loophole in the current law that allows the release of some offenders that have not been rehabilitated.
HB 1059 unanimously passed the state Senate. It had previously passed the House overwhelmingly and now awaits the Governor’s signature. The new law will give our experts the tools they need to evaluate and treat sex offenders who pose a demonstrated threat if released.
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Dear Friends,
convicted on all counts, and a Mason County judge 
the state Consumer Protection Act, alleging he was operating his dog rescue organization, located in Forks, as an illegal charity in Washington. On April 3, Clallam County Superior Court Judge George Wood 
I’m pleased that the Legislature has approved my request to improve community safety in our state by strengthening Washington’s Sexually Violent Predator statute. I proposed a bill this session to close a loophole in the current law that allows the release of some offenders that have not been rehabilitated.