Campaign Finance Violations Draw Reprimand, Fine

A public reprimand and fine by agreed disposition has been accepted by the South Carolina Supreme Court

Respondent was reported to the South Carolina State Ethics Commission on January 22, 2010. On January 15, 2019, Respondent and the State Ethics Commission entered into a consent order in which Respondent admits that in 2009, he engaged in an effort to maximize financial support to certain favored political candidates running for local and statewide election. In connection with this effort, on June 8, 2009, Respondent instructed his bookkeeper to order numerous cashier’s checks that ostensibly derived from fourteen different limited liability companies (LLCs). After the cashier’s checks were prepared by the bank, one of Respondent’s employees delivered them to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBAC) office. The checks were then distributed to the candidates by the MBAC chairman. In total, 148 cashier’s checks were issued in amounts totaling $183,000.

Respondent admits he personally funded these political contributions, as most of the LLCs had little or no money of their own. Respondent further admits he had previously provided these candidates the maximum political campaign contribution allowed, and as such, the subsequent contributions were excessive as a matter of law. Respondent admits he violated section 8-13-1314 of the South Carolina Code by providing contributions to the candidates through fourteen LLCs in excess of statutory contribution limits.

Agreed disposition

In the Agreement, Respondent agrees to the imposition of a public reprimand. He further agrees to pay a fine of $5,000 and the costs of these proceedings. As a condition of discipline, Respondent agrees to complete the Legal Ethics and Practice Program Ethics School within nine months.