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Political consultant slapped with fine
By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published September 6, 2006
ST. PETERSBURG -The Florida Elections Commission has fined a former St. Petersburg Democratic operative who was once considered one of the area's most promising young political consultants. The commission on Friday levied a $66,475 fine against Peter Schorsch, the 30-year-old former owner of PS Creative. The commission concluded he committed 40 election law violations. Schorsch created a political committee called Take Back Tampa Bay and a Web site, fedupwithfarkas.com, that criticized state Rep. Frank Farkas, R-St. Petersburg. Farkas, a former Schorsch client, filed a complaint with the Elections Commission. A state investigator concluded Schorsch certified false campaign reports showing no political activity, accepted illegally large contributions ($5,000 from trial lawyer Larry Beltz), failed to report contributions and spent money without adequate funds. Schorsch, who could not be reached for comment, has 30 days to pay the fine or appeal. Schorsch's career ended last year amid bad check charges and allegations that he stiffed clients. He also faces three felony charges of grand theft and fraud after authorities say he took money from political candidates or organizations but didn't provide the services he promised.
[Last modified September 6, 2006, 01:05:47]
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