SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota Republican activist convicted of breaking state election law has been ordered to pay $500 to two people by a judge who ruled Daniel Willard was being vindictive when he tried to force them to testify.

Willard was convicted in August of illegally sending political robo-calls before the 2012 election. Willard subpoenaed state Sen. Dan Lederman and political blogger Pat Powers to testify at his trial, saying they could shed light on allegedly improper actions by criminal investigators. Judge Vincent Foley ruled they didn't have to testify.

Lederman has sued Willard over the robo-calls. Powers blogged about the case.

Foley this week ruled that Willard subpoenaed the two men at least in part as a means of punishing them. The Argus Leader reports Willard plans to appeal.

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