Delaware auditor dodges felony charges, guilty of misconduct

By RANDALL CHASE
Associated Press

DOVER, Del. (AP) — The jury in the corruption trial of Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness has acquitted her on felony charges of theft and witness intimidation but convicted her on three misdemeanor counts. Jurors on Friday found the Democrat guilty of conflict of interest, official misconduct and structuring a contract with a consulting firm to avoid compliance with state procurement rules. It’s the first time in Delaware history that a sitting statewide elected official has been convicted on criminal charges. Prosecutors argued that McGuiness abused her position in hiring her daughter, structuring payments under a consulting contract to avoid accounting scrutiny, and intimidating employees. Jennings said the case was “political,” and still plans to seek reelection.