Rep. Dockter found guilty of voting on legislation he had financial interest in by jury

State lawmaker Rep. Jason Dockter was found guilty of violating a conflict-of-interest law after a 10-hour trial in Bismarck, North Dakota. The case centered around Dockter’s involvement in leasing a building to the Attorney General’s Office and the North Dakota Department of Health, followed by his votes on agency budgets.

The jury deliberated for 90 minutes after hearing testimony from state officials. Dockter, a Bismarck Republican, defended his actions by citing House Rule 321, which requires lawmakers to vote on legislation unless they have a direct conflict of interest. Prosecutor Ladd Erickson brought the criminal charge against Dockter in December 2023.

During the trial, it was revealed that Dockter had facilitated the lease of the building to the AG’s Office and the Department of Health, in which he had a financial interest. Despite this, Dockter voted on budgets for these agencies, leading to the conflict-of-interest charge.

Dockter’s lawyer argued that a conviction could set a dangerous precedent for lawmakers, while the prosecution maintained that Dockter willfully cast votes that benefited him financially. The case has sparked debate among state officials, with some defending Dockter’s actions and others disputing the guilty verdict.

The misdemeanor charge against Dockter carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Dockter has the option to appeal the verdict. The trial shed light on the complexities of ethics and conflicts of interest within the state legislature, raising questions about the boundaries between personal interests and official duties.