Tigertown Flatly Denies Housing Scam Reports
Speaking through their taxpayer-provided legal counsel, four Clemson University administrators accused of being involved in an alleged campus housing scam have flatly denied any association with Clemson Academic Ventures, LLC, the “Highpointe of Clemson” condominium development or Tom Winkopp, the developer of the property.
Clemson University general counsel Clay Steadman issued the blanket denial in a terse phone conversation with FITS founding editor Sic Willie this afternoon, saying “none of these people ever owned any condominiums” and that they had “never done any business” with the company, the development or Winkopp.
Steadman also indicated that the four administrators would be “submitting sworn affidavits attesting to these facts” as soon as tomorrow.
Obviously, we will publish those affidavits as soon as we receive them.
Multiple sources have told FITS that the names of four Clemson administrators appeared as owners of Highpointe property on a local Register of Deeds website last fall – until their names were allegedly removed and later replaced with “Clemson Academic Ventures LLC.”
Clemson currently requires about 400 of its “Bridge Program” students to live at the Highpointe development, which prompted allegations that administrators may have been using their pull to guarantee personal real estate investments.
Confronted with Steadman’s firm and unequivocal denial on behalf of the Clemson officials, our sources just as firmly and just as unequivocally said they stood by their version of events.
Developing …
Comments
By 90cualum on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Why is it not enough of a scandal that the schools are forcing students to stay in housing being developed and apparently leased to these students by a member of the board of trustees at Tri-County Tech, Tom Winkopp?
By ts on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 pm
May you be the last horse’s ass standing on this one, Sic ;)
By fitsnews on March 23rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
We are hearing fresh reports that will give this story quite a new wrinkle.
-FITS
By A(nother) Citizen on March 23rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Well, Winkopp and Clemson have been in bed for a while (not as long as with McConnell). First, it was GameDay Condos that Winkopp wanted to bring — and he got an “endorsement” from the Athletic Department. Luckily, the town and citizens seemed to stop that. Then it was HighPointe — even if the administrators don’t or didn’t own condos, what on earth makes it legit to force students to live there?
Isn’t there some analogy about getting into the mud with a pig that’s appropriate here? And yes, emails were flying around campus today.
By FOIA it all on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
If you keep banging on them Sic Willie this Clay Steadman fellow might have to give himself a big raise- again. Currently he shows up as the general counsel, chief legal officer and head of the office overseeing risk management.
And Sic Willie, if you can find a way that I can own one of those condo’s and get a guaranteed rate of return on it — let me know.
By franksboy on March 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
and, check and see the fine credentials of Steadman – passed what bar??
Too much denial, too many half excuses – signed affidavits?? – and just what would make anyone think that was the truth?
If you can turn your head to emotional rape, physical mishandling, sexual attacks – then condone retalliation because the victim made by the book reports – let badgering and bullying continue until the victim was beaten into mental submission – while not lifting a finger, making a call, asking a question – why would you tell the truth on an affidavit?
By Hawk on March 24th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Mr. Steadman passed the SC bar – (”legitimately” as opposed to those whose parents were Judges or Senators who “helped” their child pass the bar).
Although Mr. Steadman is a fine attorney he can only attest to what he has been told by his client and if his “client” withholds the truth then he wouldnt know.
Each and every person affiliated with this deal should have kept arms length away or recused themselves totally. Now because of either greed or stupidity or both Clemson will have to fight a defensive battle.
By franksboy on March 24th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Has Steadman passed the Flamingo Bar recently? Can’t attest to his legal prowess. But, can attest to his intimidation of employees with legitimate grievances. That should be more than enough to set him out on the seat of his Brooks Brothers suit.
Clemson is on the defensive and deservedly so. They (the Admin) hasn’t been on the side of “right” in anything lately.
This top priority of being the “center fold school” in the latest issue of US News & World Report that seems to be prize that this administration is seeking and Barker’s claim to fame according to many new reports just doesn’t ring true. What has been done – if facts – to achieve that goal. The very folks that voice their disgust with Barker, the educators, are the ones that his admirers critcize. “Why are the egg heads after Barker?” Those are the people that fulfill Clemson’s mission. Barker is no more than a talking head who, at his point, let his head swell beyond the point of fair, reasonable and honest management.
In this “helmscondogate”, I agree that if there were nothing of substance hidden there, everyone should have – and further – WOULD HAVE stayed at arms length. And, as a side note, it is hard to fathom that this is “surprise” news to Steadman, Barker and the rest of that very close to the vest group.
By misunderestimated on March 24th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I don’t buy this story at all. Whatever your supposed source said just doesn’t hold water at least in terms of reporting requirements at the deed office. If someone ever had an interest in the property it should still be recorded at the county recorder’s office. It doesn’t just disappear. What is on the website is another issue, but if someone wants to actually do the leg work and track this information down a simple trip Walhalla should do the trick. Look up those names and see what records contain their names. The employee who supposedly provided this information could have provided a screen-cap of the website that supposedly provided the information originally. Absent some further effort and proof on the part of this website, I seriously doubt any of these claims.
By Scott on March 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
For anyone interested in the truth consider the following facts:
1) Sources are disgruntled Clemson employees whose motives are questionable. There has been no attempt by any of the sources or this site to validate the claims.
2) Chain of title to real estate exists in public records. Closing documents are signed at lawyers offices then filed with the county for everyone to see. This alleged conspiracy to hide the public records would involve attorneys, banks, title agents, and public officials across all of these supposed transactions. Quite an impossibility to erase all of these transactions from public record.
3) Per Greenville Online, other news sources, and public record, Clemson Academic Ventures owns the educational support facility that is being built for the benefit of the Bridge Program students and staff. It has nothing to do with the residences so any claim to that effect further proves that these accusations are simply false rumors started by ignorant sources with the intent of stirring up controversy.
4) As for claims that the requiring Bridge Students to live at Highpointe is somehow illegal consider the fact that they have been required to live at their current residences for the last three years of the program and have simply outgrown the housing there hence the need to move to Highpointe. Similarly, Clemson freshman are required to live on campus. The intent is to provide a structured environment with live-in RA’s and staff to ensure Bridge Students are able to successfully transfer to Clemson as sophomores. It is a proven transfer system and the Bridge program is a win-win for the students and the institutions involved.