Former top BMV official fined $500 for ethics violation

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A former top official of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has been fined $500 for violating state ethics laws.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/1UjESSn) former BMV chief of staff Shawn Walters awarded Express MVA a contract in 2010 providing it with BMV workstations and allowing it to charge a lucrative "convenience fee" that effectively doubled the cost of services typically available only at state license branches.

The penalty is the result of a settlement agreement between Walters and Indiana Inspector General Cynthia Carrasco. The Indiana State Ethics Commission signed off on the agreement.

Critics say the fine is too small to discourage other state employees from using their jobs to advance personal financial interests.

Walters and his attorney did not attend the ethics commission meeting and didn't return messages seeking comment.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com