As released by The Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission.

ORDER SUMMARY:

1. Per the negotiated settlement agreement of the parties, Matthew Schwenk (“Schwenk”)--a public official/public employee in his capacity as the Director of Product Selection for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PLCB”) from approximately July 2010 until January 2013--did not violate Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (“Ethics Act”), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), in relation to his receipt of gifts, transportation, lodging, and/or hospitality from vendors of the PLCB.

2. A violation of Section 1105(b) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105(b), occurred in relation to Schwenk’s neglect to report receipt of gifts, transportation, lodging, and/or hospitality from vendor(s) of the PLCB, upon Statements of Financial Interests filed for the 2010 through 2011 calendar years. 3. No reporting violation occurred for calendar year 2012, as insufficient evidence exists to support a finding of a violation of Section 1105(b), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105(b).

 4. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Schwenk is directed to make payment in the amount of $500.00 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this Order. 5. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Schwenk is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter.

6. To the extent he has not already done so, Schwenk is directed to file complete and accurate amended Statements of Financial Interests for the 2010 and 2011 calendar years with the PLCB, through the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this Order. 7. Compliance with paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 of this Order will result in the closing of this case with no further action by this Commission.

a. Non-compliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action.

file photo 2013 PLCB board members.