Donald Trump Delegate Tony Strickland Admits Violating Campaign Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A Donald Trump delegate and a fundraiser for the Republican presidential candidate is being fined $40,000 for violating California campaign finance laws during his own campaign six years ago.

Former state Sen. Tony Strickland signed an agreement with the Fair Political Practices Commission acknowledging he funneled campaign funds through local Republican Party committees.

The agency announced the agreement Thursday, which his treasurer also signed.

The agency found the Republican lawmaker asked three donors to contribute to his 2010 campaign for state controller by way of the Ventura County and Stanislaus County Republican Party committees.

The tactic obscured the sources of $65,000 in contributions.

The agency says Strickland's conduct was more egregious than other, recent cases of illegally earmarked contributions because he actively coordinated and concealed the funds himself.