Oregon Ethics Commission Fines Shemia Fagan $3,600 for Ethical Violations
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has imposed a $3,600 fine on former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, rejecting a staff recommendation of $1,600 due to significant ethical breaches leading to her resignation in May 2023. Commissioners emphasized that Fagan, as the state’s second-highest elected official, should be held to higher standards. They expressed concern that her actions constituted a breach of public trust.
Fagan, who had resigned amidst an ethics investigation, acknowledged her wrongdoing during the hearing, stating, “My actions were indefensible… and I’m sorry.” She accepted the fine, which resulted from two violations: obtaining a $10,000-a-month consulting job with a cannabis company during an audit of the industry and improperly claiming $1,089 in travel reimbursements for family trips that included her dog. The commission found that the consulting position with Veriede raised ethical concerns, given Fagan’s lack of experience in cannabis regulation and her friendship with the company’s owner.
Though Fagan initially disputed any wrongdoing, she later admitted to “embarrassing mistakes.” Her attorney noted that she was prepared to take responsibility for her actions.
While most commissioners agreed the penalties should reflect the severity of the violations, Commissioner Daniel Mason voted against the higher fine, suggesting Fagan had contributed to her own troubles. Conversely, other members argued for a stricter penalty, saying the violations must be taken seriously to uphold public trust in elected officials.
Fagan’s law license was reinstated in April, but questions regarding her future remain, as she is still under investigation by the Oregon State Bar for alleged ethical violations.
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