MISSOURI MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FILING FALSE REPORTS WITH
THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Assistant Attorney General Christopher A. Wray of the Criminal Division announced today that a Missouri man has pleaded guilty to charges of filing false reports with the Federal Election Commission in connection with a bid for a congressional seat.

James L. Claspill, 60, of St. Peters, Missouri, pleaded guilty today at U.S. District Court in St. Louis, before U.S. Magistrate Thomas Mummert. Claspill pleaded guilty to a four-count misdemeanor criminal information charging him with filing false reports with the FEC, in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act.

Claspill faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 on each count. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2004.

According to the plea documents, Claspill publicly announced he was running for Congress in July 1999. He had no public support for his candidacy, but to make it appear that he had such support, Claspill created the “Citizens for Claspill Committee” and then filed reports with this “committee” which falsely stated that it had received contributions in excess of $240,000. Claspill also falsely stated that he lent the committee $200,000 and that the committee incurred certain expenses. According to the criminal information, Claspill signed the reports using a fictitious name, “Paul Brown,” Treasurer of the Committee.

This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Julian Greenspun of the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, headed by Section Chief Noel L. Hillman.

###

03-716