State ethics commission finds reasonable grounds in three campaign-finance preliminary hearings

The Government Transparency & Campaign Finance Commission voted Dec. 13, 2024, that reasonable grounds exist to pursue enforcement in three preliminary hearing matters involving candidates Nicole Jones, Grama (Miss) Demitt and Joe Ray Jenkins. The commission's motions move each case forward for administrative proceedings or possible referral to the Office of State Administrative Hearings.

The commission voted, without recorded roll-call tallies in the public transcript, on multiple separate alleged violations in each matter. The motions were presented by commission staff attorneys and carried after brief discussion; the chair called for voice votes (“All in favor, say aye.”) and announced each motion as carried.

Nicole Jones (case 24-0054-C): Staff alleged failures to file multiple election-year campaign contribution disclosure reports (CCDRs), a required personal financial disclosure statement…