The founder of the Existentialist Republic PAC told federal campaign finance regulators that he would not press charges against his former treasurer — and longtime friend — amid accusations of theft and misappropriation.
PAC founder Chris Armitage accused Clifford Michael Pickens in June of taking thousands of dollars from the political committee without approval — then disappearing. Armitage also said he was considering pressing charges against Pickens, who had been his friend for more than a decade.
But Pickens repaid the committee “in full,” Armitage told the Federal Election Commission on Saturday. Pickens repaid $3,500 on June 9 and the remaining $3,938 on June 15. Pickens also paid $61.26 as reimbursement for filing fees.
“After Mr. Pickens repaid in full, the committee did not pursue the complaints or the civil action described in its June 2” letter to the FEC, Armitage wrote.
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The Existentialist Republic PAC then returned the money it had raised to the donors, according to Armitage. It has also filed paperwork to shut down its operations.
Upon its formation earlier this year, the Existentialist Republic PAC said it aimed to fund, organize and elect leaders “who believe in evidence-driven action and accountability.”
Pickens told The Washington Sun in June that he was “surprised” by Armitage’s accusations. He acknowledged he had “ignored a lot of people in my life” during a turbulent period in his personal life.
Armitage said he had contacted Pickens multiple times to inquire about the missing funds and couldn’t understand why his friend didn’t just talk to him.
Neither Armitage nor Pickens immediately responded to questions from The Sun, including about the status of their friendship.
Over the last decade, there have been countless allegations of once-trusted treasurers taking money from political campaigns and committees. In the last year alone, several have admitted to or been accused of stealing from trade associations, unions and political campaigns.
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