Executive Ethics Board accepts stipulations, records settlements in employee-ethics cases

The Executive Ethics Board on the record accepted multiple stipulations and settlements arising from staff investigations into alleged violations of the Executive Ethics Act.

Board staff summarized EEB case 2024009 involving Luzmarina Tejada, an employee of Green River College, saying "on 09/02/2026, board staff came to a settlement agreement with Luz Marina Tejada in the amount of $4,250. That was 5,000 with 750 suspended." Staff described evidence they reviewed — 39 external emails and more than 130 website visits during a review period — and said the matter had been found to have reasonable cause in an earlier meeting. The board moved and approved accepting the stipulation as written.

In EEB case 2025063, staff reported allegations that Austin Candior (Department of Children, Youth and Families) used state resources for nonwork activity and provided special privileges, including renting a family-trust-owned residence to a subordinate; staff reported a settlement figure of $750 (noting an initial $1,000 with $250 suspended). The board accepted that stipulation on the record.

Staff also presented a Fish and Wildlife matter (presented as Samsail) involving deployment of department cameras and subsequent hunting access; staff characterized any violation as de minimis but negotiated a settlement of $750 with $250 suspended. The board approved that stipulation as well.

Each stipulation and settlement was accepted after the board reconvened from a closed deliberation; motions were seconded and the board recorded voice votes of 'Aye.'