The state Public Disclosure Commisson voted unanimously this afternoon to fine Spokane City Councilman Bob Apple the maximum possible $4,200 for failing to file campaign finance reports during his successful run for office last year.

Here's a copy of the state's 58-page investigation report.

In essence, the commissioners found, Apple failed to file several reports, failed to report about $1,400 in contributions, failed to provide detailed information on nearly $8,000 in campaign spending, and failed to fill in the state watchdog agency when he changed treasurers.

In a telephone hearing, Apple today told the commission that he wasn't trying to hide anything and that the PDC staffers were lying about his lack of compliance. He said he's "had an unbelievably difficult time dealing with the Attorney General's office and the PDC and the lies are just unbelievable…These people do not tell the truth. As an elected official, I am appalled."

The chairman, Bill Brumsickle, told him that name-calling wouldn't help.

Apple sounded increasingly frustrated as the hearing progressed.

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