Sonoma Sheriffs’ PAC Faces FPPC Penalties Over Disclosure Violations

The Sonoma County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association PAC remains under formal scrutiny by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), with the matter publicly listed on the Commission’s August 20, 2026 agenda. The case, filed as FPPC No. 20/1111, centers on a series of campaign‑advertising and disclosure violations tied to the 2020 “Committee for Transparent Justice – No on Measure P” effort.

According to the FPPC’s published agenda, the Sheriffs’ Association, its sponsored PAC, the No on P committee, and two officers—Michael Vail and Cody Ebert—were cited for multiple violations of California’s Political Reform Act. The FPPC states that the committees failed to file required 24‑Hour Reports, filed campaign statements that omitted mandatory sponsor identification, and paid for political advertisements that lacked legally required disclosures. Some ads also failed to include the basic “Paid for by” statement required under state law.

The agenda notes:

“Respondents… failed to file required 24‑Hour Reports… [and] paid for advertisements, which did not include the required reference identifying the DSA and its PAC as the sponsors of the committee (and some of the ads failed to state ‘Paid for by’).”

The FPPC lists the total proposed penalty at **$11,000**, covering violations of Government Code sections 84203, 84204, 84102, 84106, 84504.1, 84504.2, 84504.3, and Title 2 CCR §18419(b)(1). The matter appears on the Consent Calendar, meaning the Commission may adopt the stipulation without discussion unless a commissioner requests removal for separate consideration.

This enforcement action reflects the FPPC’s ongoing focus on transparency in local law‑enforcement political activity, especially in cases where public‑safety unions sponsor ballot‑measure committees. The published agenda signals that the case is in its final stage, with the Commission prepared to vote on the stipulation and penalty.

“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” — Luke 8:17