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Minn. Fines GOP Donor For Using False Identity

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota regulators are levying a $21,000 fine against a Republican political donor sought nationally for fraud.

The Campaign Finance Board ruled Wednesday that a contributor known as Bobby Thompson broke state law by giving $13,000 to Minnesota GOP candidates, funds and committees using a false identity. He was also linked to a $500 donation to Republican gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert under the name Maria D'Annuzio, which couldn't be verified.

The board found no cause that Seifert's campaign or the other recipients, including the House Republican Campaign Committee, knew of the problem.

Thompson's group of charities, the U.S. Navy Veterans Association, has drawn scrutiny from authorities in other states. Ohio's attorney general is seeking to arrest Thompson on identity fraud, money laundering and other charges.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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