$40,000 Shelnut fine sets record

  • Follow Metro

ATLANTA --- Violations of state ethics laws resulted in a $40,000 fine against former University System of Georgia Regent Timothy Shelnut, the largest civil penalty the State Ethics Commission has ever assessed an individual.

Timothy Shelnut: Ex-University System of Georgia regent admitted to exceeding campaign donation limits.  Jim Blaylock/Staff
Jim Blaylock/Staff
Timothy Shelnut: Ex-University System of Georgia regent admitted to exceeding campaign donation limits.

The commission voted unanimously Thursday to accept a consent order signed by Mr. Shelnut, an Augusta resident who previously admitted to making campaign donations in excess of state limits and giving $24,000 to others to make donations in his name from the mid-1990s to 2004.

Mr. Shelnut, who said he would be glad to put the violations behind him, did not return a call for comment Thursday.

Commissioners also hit current regent Donald Leebern Jr. with a $37,750 civil penalty for failing to disclose to the state his personal finances in 2005 and 2006.

Until February, Mr. Leebern, a regent since 1991, had failed to electronically file 2005 and 2006 disclosure forms and state business transaction reports. In February, he filed statements showing $90,000 worth of bottled water sales between his company, Georgia Crown Beverage Inc., and the university system.

Despite the fine, Mr. Leebern's belief is unwavering that his violations were not serious, spokesman Phil Kent said.

Thursday also marked a single-day record in the amount of fines the commission handed down.

Realtors PAC, a wing of the Georgia Association of Realtors, was hit with a record $80,000 fine for failing to disclose $585,732 in campaign contributions the political action committee made to candidates for the Legislature and lieutenant governor during the 2006 primary elections.

Comments

JimCox

Does he keep his securities license?

katydid

Payback was his appointment to the Board of Regents so he could be a "bigshot"

WHATDIDIDO

So what. I am sure just like Harbin, that the people he deal with, like him and that is all that matters. Right Uncle BS.

Bizarro

Regents of the University of GA system. Amazing how arrogant and nonchalant they all are about committing a crime. If they consider it a minor crime it sure gives you pause what they might have committed and think would be a major crime doesn't it. I spit on all of them and have no respect for the worms and maggots. I don't see how the backgrounds of most of the regents gives them any insights in how to run an education system.

LaTwon

as opposed to all politicians bizzaro? how do we always get the scum in these positions. isnt mr shelnut bankrupt?

LaTwon

i know a guy who gave roy barnes 50 000 and got one billion of the state retirement money to manage at about 1% a year fee.
thats 10mil a year. sweet.................

426Hemi

40K? Well, he might auction off a Presidential Rolex to pay; or just put off buying another. It's chump-change for him. You are big, you play big, then you PAY big! Hit those pockets!!!

gofigure

Yes he did break rules but I didn't hear any of you griping when he spends his money all over town trying to improve it. Katydid he is abig shot and did not need the board of regents to make him one. He worked for everything he has gotten unlike some.

gofigure

Yes he did break rules but I didn't hear any of you griping when he spends his money all over town trying to improve it. Katydid he is abig shot and did not need the board of regents to make him one. He worked for everything he has gotten unlike some.

Riverman1

Who did he give the money to? Ronnie Strength was one I believe. What did Strength say about it? According to the report Shelnut had others give the money in some cases in HIS NAME. What are the comments from the individuals who passed the money to Strength, Schrenko and Burmeister? We should find these bag men and find out exactly what was said to Strength and others. Strength has previously denied any knowledge of this. I do believe someone is lying and since Shelnut's involvement came courtesy of the feds, I don't believe it is him.

wire99

Ethics violations? Does he even know what ethics are? I'm sure 40K to him is less painful than us putting gas in our car..

more money

You people have nothing better to do. This man admitted to his giving money. But look at all the other money he has given all over town, 1 millon to help children with diabetes., he gives 100.00 to under privelage kids who gets A's on their report cards.
the list goes on. This man man was not raised wealthly he has earned evey penny. Some people can not be happy for people like this, just jealous that they can not do the same. So this does not sound like hes bankrupt to me. Just more rumors being spread about a very nice man!

pofwe

See what kind of "skinflints" sit in judgement of we prolitarians? Been this way since time immemorial. Is it time for a people's rebellion? Long, long, long past time. Shelnut's name befits his sorry stinking prideful behavior, "a 'ego nut' in the shell of a man." Can I get a witness?

b1

I'll be your witness. Look at all these commets that say look at all the money he has given back to the community.....I'm sure all the drug dealers buy cars and spend their money here to. So here's a big shout out of thank you to all the drug dealers.
Peace!

getagrip

Name one politician in Augusta that owned up to their own wrongdoing. Mr. Shelnut did. He has been generous in his support of many charities, many individuals and to our medical community. b1 there is a big difference in spending money in a community and giving money to charities. Your intelligence is showing.

Bizarro

So if you are a philanthropist you get a "get outta jail" free card for any criminal activities you may indulge?? He can be nice and give away a million dollars and still be guilty of a ethics violation. It doesn't mean what he did was ethical or he should get a free pass. I am sure he is still a nice man-whatever that means. Mr. Leebern's attitude about his violations was no big deal. The article gives you the impression that these guys could care less about a minor ethics violation-but that is the intent eh.

Brad Owens

You all are naive or stupid if you think this was anything other than business as usual. I attended a fund raiser at Shelnuts Burke County compound he held for Roy Barnes. It was well attended by powerful people from all over the state. I heard he raised several hundred thousand for BOTH sides. As far as his 'illegal' contributions goes, WHO CARES? This man made sveral 100 million dollars on his own. He is a self mand man and he has given back much more than he has ever been given. FYI, he made his money in the Pacific Northwest as an insurance man. This is a big show in an election year nothing more. Shelnut SHOULD be able to give as much of his money to whoever he chooses. I support getting rid of the campaign laws that restrict personal/individual donations and ban business and corporate donations all together. Good for Tim, wear the fine as a badge of honor. Who ever heard of politicians being in charge of 'ethics'. Complete non-sense and a waste of tax payer dollars on not much.

WarDawg

Tim Shelnutt took full responsibility for his actions. Too bad more of leaders are not willing to do that. Further, Mr. Shelnutt has accomplished much in his life coming from a modest background in South Augusta and becoming a tremendous success in the business world. He has since used his wealth to support many worthy organizations in Augusta and elsewhere. He will pay the fine without complaint and continue to work for the betterment of Augusta.

klsm

I have great confidence that Tim will be back on top of his game ... he is a self-made man and he know what to do to make money ... he may be down right now ... but he is definitely NOT outof the game!!!

hobo

He is a cool dude with a good heart

Bizarro

Well if he made his fortune in insurance he surely is a criminal. Hee.hee.hee.

WHATDIDIDO

He had no choice but to accept responsibilty for his actions. The fact that he has made millions does not exempt him from our laws. He may be the greatest person on this earth, but the oh well attitudes some of you are displaying, causes more concern, than his actions.

Riverman1

The three he gave to were Strength, Schrenko and Burmeister. All this came out because of the federal investigation of Schrenko who is now in prison. What has Strength said about receiving the 10 grand from the bagmen in Shelnut's name?

wire99

But did he make his millions ethically? Hmmm... I'm sure the answer to the question would be shocking..

pofwe

The man is ethically challenged.

hobo

He is still a coool dude with a good heart

Online Database by Caspio
Click here to load this Caspio Online Database.
Loading...