The charge: misuse of the state seal.

His plea: guilty.

The penalty: nothing.

Use of the state seal in a campaign is against the law and violators could face a felony, but Shurtleff even avoided a warning, according to state election director Michael Cragun, who is charged to look into any allegations of misuse.

Cragun, who works for Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, called the letter a "mistake."

"When we find someone who is using the state seal improperly we tell them to stop using it improperly," Cragun said. "But we didn't have to do that - Shurtleff already knew."

For his part, Shurtleff admits his error saying: "It was a mistake. It was my bad.

"I really do try hard to make sure it doesn't happen."

Shurtleff said the intent of the law is to make sure voters do not believe the government is endorsing a candidate. He said he didn't know how to rectify the situation, since the letter has already been sent.

More than a decade ago, Democratic Attorney General Jan Graham used the seal on fund-raising invitations, which sparked a controversy that helped lead to a detailed rule on what constitutes misuse.

The official rule says the seal can't be used "in a political campaign, or in ways that may legitimize or assist to defeat another candidate."

Shurtleff's letter touts the experience of Cameron Noel, who is the Republican candidate for Beaver County Sheriff.

Normally, Shurtleff sends such letters on letterhead stamped with an unofficial attorney general seal. This one "slipped through" on state letterhead and Shurtleff signed it.

One upset Beaver County resident complained to the county clerk's office, who in turn passed on the complaint to Cragun and the Democratic Party.

Democratic spokesman Jeff Bell called the letter and Cragun's response "unfortunate."

"It is very convenient that the attorney general can do something tasteless like that, which happens to be against the law and get away with it," he said.

mcanham@sltrib.com