Noncandidate to pay campaign fine

Friday, April 26, 2002 | 10:01 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The secretary of state's office has agreed to lower a fine from $20,000 to $5,000 against former FBI agent George Togliatti of Las Vegas for failing to file his campaign expenses reports. The decision came even though Togliatti never became a candidate.

Susan Morandi, deputy secretary for elections, said in a letter to Togliatti that he has until May 30 to pay the penalty or to set up a payment schedule.

It was Togliatti who informed the office of the violations. Had he not acted, the office would have never known he received contributions.

But Togliatti said Thursday, "It's more important to do the right thing," even though it's costing him $5,000. "I knew the rules going in and rules are rules."

Togliatti raised more than $45,000 in 1999 and early 2000 to challenge Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone in the 2000 election, but he dropped out of the race without ever filing his candidacy.

His reports on campaign contributions and expenses were never filed.

"As soon as I detected the error I called (the secretary of state's office). And I would do it again," Togliatti said.

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