Man who filed complaint violated campaign law

BOZEMAN (AP) — The commissioner of political practices says a Bozeman man who filed three complaints with the commissioner earlier this year has himself violated campaign reporting requirements.

Commissioner Jonathan Motl found Republican David Ponte failed to deposit $260 in reported cash contributions, used his campaign account to cash $830 in checks that were not campaign donations and failed to file his final report after the 2012 general election.

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports Motl’s decision on Tuesday says Ponte must file a report closing his 2012 campaign for the state Legislature before he could run again for public office.

Motl’s decision said he was surprised that Ponte, who has filed technical campaign finance complaints, could be so sloppy in his own reporting.

Ponte did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press on Thursday seeking comment.