The Criminal Department of Yeoju Branch of the Suwon District Court (Chief Judge Jo Jung-woong) acquitted Rep. Kim Seon-kyo (Yeoju, Yangpyeong), who was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Political Fund Act and the Public Official Election Act, in the first trial today (15th).
The court, however, imposed a fine of 8 million won on Mr. A, who was also indicted for violating the Political Funds Act.
If a fine of 3 million won or more is confirmed against Mr. A in the upper court, Rep. Kim will lose his seat as a member of the National Assembly in accordance with the relevant laws.
In the judgment, the court explained the reason for the acquittal, saying, "In addition to the statement of Mr. B, the account manager of the supporters' association, there is insufficient evidence to admit that Rep. Kim was aware of the unreported use of donations, etc., and the proof of Mr. B's statement cannot be considered high."
Regarding Mr. A, he explained the reason for the conviction and sentencing, saying, "It is clear that the indictment of the election cost expenditure is exceeded, and the omission of accounting reports is also recognized."
Rep. Kim and others were charged with raising money in excess of 150 million won per year from March to April last year ahead of the April 15 general election and failing to issue receipts for cash donations. passed over.
He is also accused of using illegally raised donations for election expenses, exceeding the election cost of 190 million won as stipulated by the Public Official Election Act.
Earlier, at the decision trial held on the 25th of last month, the prosecution demanded 1 year and 6 months in prison for Kim and an additional 48 million won.
In addition, he requested the court to sentence the person in charge of accounting to 8 months in prison.
Rep. Kim said, "I am grateful for the court's careful judgment of acquittal," and "I know that Mr. A, who is in charge of accounting, will appeal as there is a possibility of a dispute, such as claiming that he did not know about the omission of accounting reports."
(Photo = provided by Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)