http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB65NFMD3E.htmlTexas Prosecutors Agree to Drop Charge Against Retailer Sears in Republican PAC Investigation
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Prosecutors agreed to drop an illegal campaign contribution charge against Sears, Roebuck and Co. in exchange for its cooperation in an investigation of contributions to a political action committee associated with House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
A Travis County judge signed off on the agreement Thursday. It calls for the retailer to enact additional internal policies, and to strengthen its policy against making illegal contributions in any state.
Sears was accused of donating $25,000 to Texans for a Republican Majority during the 2002 legislative campaign. The use of corporate money for political purposes is illegal in Texas.
Sears was one of eight corporations accused of giving money to the PAC. Prosecutors previously dropped charges against Diversified Collections Services Inc. under a similar agreement.
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