Which offense involves relying on information not public and using it to obtain pecuniary interest or to affect a transaction?

• A. Misuse of Official Information
• B. Official Oppression
• C. Abuse of Official Capacity
• D. Disorderly Conduct

Answer: (A)

Misuse of Official Information involves a public official using information that is not public to obtain a pecuniary interest or to affect a transaction. The crucial element is that the information is confidential or not available to the public, and it is used for personal financial gain or to influence a decision or deal in a way that benefits the official or someone they’re aiding. This distinguishes it from other offenses like Official Oppression, which centers on abusing authority to deprive rights; Abuse of Official Capacity, which concerns improper performance or neglect of official duties; and Disorderly Conduct, which covers disruptive or unlawful behavior in public. For example, a public official who learns about a pending contract and uses that non-public information to secure a personal deal or steer the contract to a favored party is committing Misuse of Official Information.