SEATTLE — Prosecutors say the former head of a campaign committee supporting Democratic state Senate candidates has been charged with theft after admitting he embezzled up to $300,000.
Michael King faces eight counts of theft in King County Superior Court. Charging papers filed Tuesday say he confessed to stealing $200,000 to $300,000 because he had a drinking and gambling problem.
King headed the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, which fielded donations from political action committees, companies and individuals and directed them to Democratic senators and candidates.
Seattle police say the financial irregularities came to light after a review discovered that King had appeared to have spent significant sums on polling after last fall’s election.
King’s attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment. His arraignment has been set for Oct. 7.
The committee says it has installed new financial controls to make sure it never happens again.
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