Government Watchdog Calls for Criminal Investigation of Paul Mouton, Political Adviser to David Humphreys
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2017
Contact: Daniel Stevens, dstevens@campaignforaccountability.org, 202.780.5750
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Campaign for Accountability, a government watchdog group focused on public accountability, called on Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Richardson to investigate whether Paul Mouton, a political consultant for David Humphreys, should be charged with a criminal offense for violating Missouri lobbying laws.
CfA Executive Director Daniel Stevens said, “The Missouri Ethics Commission barely slapped Paul Mouton on the wrist for what appears to be a flagrant violation of state law. A mere $200 fine is close to meaningless. Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Richardson should investigate whether Mr. Mouton violated the state’s criminal laws.”
Earlier this week, Mouton, an adviser to prominent Republican donor David Humphreys, was fined by the Missouri Ethics Commission for illegally lobbying in the state Capitol. The Ethics Commission found probable cause to believe Mouton violated state laws by not registering as a lobbyist and by failing to file regular lobbying disclosure reports.
During the 2016 and 2017 legislative sessions, Mouton was seen in the Capitol regularly and Senate President Ron Richard provided a parking space for Mouton in the Senate’s private garage on more than 30 occasions. According to press reports, on a number of days when Mouton had a parking spot reserved, the Senate took action on legislation supported by Humphreys, including the day the Senate considered SB 5, a bill to limit class action lawsuits. Humphreys’ company has been facing a class action lawsuit for selling allegedly defective roof shingles. The Ethics Commission found Mouton was lobbying on the issue.
In April, CfA filed a complaint with the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri requesting an investigation into whether Sen. Richard and Humphreys violated federal law when Sen. Richard accepted a $100,000 contribution from Humphreys just days after introducing the legislation.
Stevens continued, “Missouri has been roiled by one ethical scandal after another. Missourians must have confidence that the rules apply to everyone, including the state’s richest residents. Prosecutors must investigate whether Mouton’s conduct merits criminal prosecution.”
Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.