WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 30, 2010 — Arent Fox partner Craig Engle was quoted in an Associated Press article reporting that federal prosecutors are looking into whether a former US Senate candidate illegally used campaign money for personal use.

Former Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell went on the offensive Thursday following reports that federal prosecutors are looking into whether she illegally used campaign money for personal use, saying the accusations are politically motivated and stoked by disgruntled former campaign workers. The Delaware Republican appeared on several network television morning shows to defend herself a day after The Associated Press revealed authorities have opened a criminal investigation to determine whether she broke the law by spending campaign money on personal expenses such as rent. “There’s been no impermissible use of campaign funds whatsoever,” O’Donnell told ABC’s Good Morning America.

While the FEC frequently investigates and pursues civil cases involving election laws, criminal prosecutions against candidates for such violations are rare. Campaign finance experts say the distinguishing factor is intent. ... Craig Engle, another campaign finance attorney, said a criminal case might never materialize and said even criminal prosecutions typically result in financial penalties, not prison time - although the law allows for a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  “The law is actually fairly clear,” he said.  “You cannot make any personal use of campaign contributions ... it even itemizes things that would be considered personal use.”

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