Former Legislative Candidate Sentenced to Jail Time for Forgery

April 29, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2009

Contact: Leanne Robbin, Assistant Attorney General Phone: (207) 822-0266

FORMER LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE SENTENCED TO JAIL TIME FOR FORGERY

AUGUSTA-Attorney General Janet Mills announced today that the Maine Superior Court in Alfred sentenced Bruce Ladd, age 62, of Saco, to 30 days of jail time and 160 hours of public service for forging voter signatures on forms filed with the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. Ladd, a former candidate for House District 133 in Saco, filed the forms in April of 2008 in order to qualify for public campaign funds under Maine?s Clean Elections Law. The State alleges that Ladd forged at least seven of the voter signatures, and, as a result, failed to submit the number of signatures required to obtain public financing. He pled guilty to one felony of Aggravated Forgery late last year, and the sentencing was continued to today at his request.

In order to obtain public campaign funds, a candidate for a House seat must obtain 50 contributions of $5.00 from registered voters in the relevant district, along with each voter?s signature on a ?Receipt and Acknowledgement? form certifying that he or she in fact made the contribution. Based on a tip from the Saco City Clerk?s Office, the State detected the forgeries prior to releasing any funds to Ladd. Had the forgery not been detected, Ladd could have received public campaign funds in an amount ranging from $4600 to $8200, depending on his eligibility under the law for matching funds. After his request for public funds was denied, Ladd withdrew his candidacy.

Attorney General Mills stated, ?Maine?s Clean Election Law has allowed hundreds of citizens to run for public office, many for the first time. It is unfortunate that Mr. Ladd attempted to undermine the system and to defraud the State and the public. We will continue to be vigilant against such abuses of the public trust.?

The Attorney General?s Office would like to thank Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin for prosecuting the case and the Saco Police Department for its assistance in investigating the allegations.

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