Burleigh County employee under investigation for possible violation of the Hatch Act

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – An investigation by the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s office into Burleigh County Auditor and Treasurer Mark Splonskowski has identified a possible violation of the Hatch Act.

The investigation is centered around a group text message acquired by Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer from Splonskowski’s personal phone during work hours advising 66 other people to not vote for Burleigh County Commissioner Brian Bitner.

“The body of the text read, ‘I’m just letting you know from the perspective of being the county auditor for a year and a half, please do not vote for Brian Bitner for County Commissioner. If you want more details as to why, let me know. Also, let your friends know too. Thanks,‘” said Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer.

Lawyer said if Splonskowski is found guilty of a Hatch Act violation by the Federal Office of Special Council, the county commission would lose twice that employee’s annual salary in federal grant funds. She also said that as an elected employee, Splonskowski cannot be fired for a Hatch Act violation.

We reached out to Splonskowski for comment and have not heard back yet.

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