Ford appeals fine imposed by state board

The “petition for waiver or withdrawal of penalty,” filed on Thursday and signed by attorney Edward M. Bearman of Memphis, was received by the Registry of Election Finance on Monday.

The $10,000 fine was assessed by the Registry board on May 11, and Ford told reporters later that day the penalty was “stupid” and would be appealed. The board had voted 4-3 to impose the penalty after deciding that fraud was involved.

“Sen. Ford is not guilty of fraud,” the petition says.

Ford, D-Memphis, resigned from the Senate on May 28, two days after being arrested on bribery and extortion charges in connection with the FBI’s Tennessee Waltz sting operation.