Cylvia Hayes' settlement talks put on hold in ethics case

[TexasTowelie]

Oregon ethics officials have put their settlement negotiations with former first lady Cylvia Hayes on hold, pending advice from the Department of Justice regarding the implications of Hayes' bankruptcy.

"We are about ready to begin again," said Ron Bersin, executive director of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, on Tuesday afternoon. "The DOJ was finding out if we could actually negotiate (during Hayes' bankruptcy proceedings)."

In January, the commission found 22 instances in which Hayes violated state ethics laws, including a prohibition on public officials using their positions for personal gain. If the commission were to impose the maximum fine of $5,000 per violation, it would total $110,000.

The panel has not yet determined the penalty amount; earlier this year, Hayes began negotiating with the commission for a lower fine. She filed for bankruptcy a month ago and has disclosed $339,000 in mortgage, credit card and other debts.

Read more: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/08/oregon_ethics_commission_puts.html