U.S. District attorneys in conjunction with Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) delivered two subpoenas to the Bennettsville, S.C. office of the state’s Fourth Circuit Solicitor two weeks ago, sources tell FITS.
It is these documents that have led to the resignation of two staffers – one a former Solicitor.
Earlier today, FITS broke the news that former Fourth Circuit Solicitor Jay Hodge had abruptly resigned yesterday from the office he led where he was working as an assistant solicitor .
Another employee is said to have resigned yesterday, although the identity of this employee has not been provided.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the federal subpoenas sought financial records dating back to 2000 for both the Fourth Circuit and Mercy Ministries, a non-profit corporation that is assigned to work with victims of domestic violence in the Pee Dee.
Hodge served on the board of Mercy Ministries, as did Mary Anderson, who is still employed by the Solicitor’s office.
The alleged misappropriation of public funds the subpoenas are said to be investigating stems from Solicitor’s office money (specifically monies from Drug Court and Pre-Trial Intervention programs) and Mercy Ministries money being used to pay for improvements to personal property and rental properties, as well as the co-mingling of public funds with personal bank accounts.
Drug Court clients have allegedly done work at the home of the former solicitor and another employee, with one of these providers claiming that they were told to say that any work they did was on state property.
Also being investigated are accusations of forced campaigning during the recent solicitor’s office race.
Specifically, at least one employee is alleged to have been fired from the Fourth Circuit office as a direct result of refusing to campaign, while other employees tell FITS they were “strongly encouraged” to campaign on weekends and during the work week.
Developing …
Update – A local newspaper in Cheraw, S.C. is reporting similar facts pertaining to this ongoing story.
By liz May 22, 2009 at 7:32 am
So why won’t anyone talk about my INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT that paid FIDELITY INVESTMENTS FOR FIFTEEN YEARS when I went back to work with my disability FITS?
Can I perhaps use this AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM TOO?
Do I have to be CRAIGSLIST or a SOLICITOR in order to use the law enforcement system and get anyone to help me….
I am involved in the crime of the century and it is being stifled in South Carolina.
By Marvin Simpson May 22, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Only the upper hierarchy of either organization would have had the ability to do this. I guess the resignation of two persons within Solicitor’s office could be an indication of the responsible party(s), or it could just be coincidence.
By wannajar May 22, 2009 at 9:54 pm
we have known for years that this was going on and no one to report it to to get anything done about it because of the good ole boys club. they each cover up for the other one. they are the ones breaking the law.
By Billy Squire May 24, 2009 at 10:42 am
From another post, a title abstracter stated that he/she uncovered a questionable transaction from the Chesterfield County Courthouse involving the former Solicitor and Cheraw Mayor…how about do some digging on a property that is now a part of the Mercy Ministries compound. I was told by a layman that this property was bought by State Representative Vick and then sold to the Hodge controlled ministry at a profit.
By justice May 24, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Billy Squire…you hit the nail on the head…I know someone on the inside who confirms this transaction…I guess Rep. Vic was behind in his tithing and needed to get some in the collection plate…with Christians like him in office, maybe its time to bring back the lions
By wannajar May 24, 2009 at 10:11 pm
i wonder if a small town mayor in marlboro county will be investigated alone with mr hodge, we know of some cover ups that happened in this town and it did no good to report it to sled because we were always told it was taken care of. no one was ever told who did it but everyone had an idea on their mind. maybe some senators and rep. can answer the question.
By xxx May 26, 2009 at 3:39 pm
xx
By outsider May 26, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Heard that Vick did not even live in district until late in election game. It was told that he bought a cabin in the woods of Chesterfield, that he never lived in to qualify for office. One of many rumors.
A lot of smoke says that somewhere there is a fire.
Talks a lot about how much money he has. Does he work other than House job? Does it pay enough to live his lifestyle? Food for thought
By michael campbell May 26, 2009 at 10:07 pm
This has been an ongoing issue for years. Why has it taken this long for someone to finally address what these self-proclaimed, above-the-law individuals were doing. Perhaps law inforcement in Cheraw and the municipal judge need to be investigated about their wrong-doings. I know for a fact how they can trump up charges on someone who doesn’t follow by their rules. Ah, what the hell, do an investigation on everyone that holds a government office job. With the shape of the economy now it won’t be hard to fill their positions!
By Liz May 27, 2009 at 10:13 am
AMEN Michael Campbell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If all the cops in town and at the Sherrif’s Dept. were to be investaigated, they would need to hire alot of new ones. And the “druggies” would have to look for new folks to buy their drugs from,from what I hear.
By Miss Kitty May 27, 2009 at 1:08 pm
If you truely know something tell it so the FBI can do something about it. This may be our one and only chance to get any help,and put and end to all this.
By John Wilson May 27, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Miss Kitty, I’m calling you out. You state that “if you truely know something tell it”…tell it to who Miss Kitty? Do you have a contact? To whom should it be told?
By Miss Kitty May 27, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Mr.Wilson,I am sure u are smart enough to know the FBI reads this as well everyone else. People are afraid to tell what they know to any officals because no one knows who they can trust,but maybe they wouldnt be as afraid to give some leads here.
By Big Bubba May 27, 2009 at 4:42 pm
You go Miss Kitty—-You rock. How true are your statements. Retaliation could be very bad for those who have families. Big Bubba is one of your fans. Keep it coming!!!!!!
By John Wilson May 27, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Well Miss Kitty, if the FBI is looking at these posts, they have the resources to trace where these comments originate from, including yours.
By Miss Kitty May 27, 2009 at 9:47 pm
That is very true Mr.Wilson and I have nothing to hide,so be it.
By Miss Kitty May 27, 2009 at 9:59 pm
But then again Mr.Wilson, I really don’t think you want them to talk to me, since you are trying so hard to protect someone that it makes it pretty obvious who you are.
By Big Bubba May 28, 2009 at 9:22 am
Miss KITTY. You are on a roll. Keep up the “great work” and do not back down. I do not personally know any one being named but as stated before, I have heard all of this for years and then for months with the newer people elected or hired in the last few years. There are a few more names that need to emerge and I am sure that they will. I am sure that there are a plenty of BIG HOMES that may go up for sale in this county.
By Cheraw Resident May 28, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Miss Kitty I have to say, I am also a fan of yours. We need more people like you and less Jay Hodges ,Kenny Michaels, and Ted Vicks. I do have to agree with you on who Mr Wilson is, being he jumps at every little word,it does remind me a lot of someone we all know. Good work Miss Kitty, keep it up. Good people don’t get mad at truth but bad people do, right Mr Wilson.
By Big Bubba May 28, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Okay John Wilson, your hand has been called by numerous people. Big Bubba has to reckon that these folk may know you. So I reckon that you will just have to put the lid on it. Ifen you want to keep up your defense blog then you might as well go ahead and put your real name. Like the ol’ people use to say “DODO or git off the pot.” Everyone in this county knows everyone else. This is why these blogs are smoiking hot. I love all ya’ll that want peace, love and prosperity in this here county. Keep it stirred until the stink goes away.
“BIG BUBBA”
By John Wilson May 28, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Well “Big Bubba”, I’m using my real name, why aren’t you and Miss Kitty? I’m calling your hand. Post your real name “or get off the john”. Furthermore, quit using your slang hillbilly talk to try and disguise yourself..I know who you are “Big Bubba”.
By Big Bubba May 29, 2009 at 6:53 am
Well “John Wilson” or whomever. It does not take a rocket scientist to decide that I am not using my real name. I am using the slang hillbilly talk to make this crisis in Chesterfield County a bit light hearted. I may be any father, brother, friend or uncle in this county. Although I and not involved with or really know any of these people being named, I am like the majority of people here, I am a bit scared for myself amd family. This corruption runs very deep and this is why there are so many blogs on this subject. Do I think that everyone that is being named is guilty? No, this is why I have chosen not to name anyone, although, I have heard just about everyone of these names mentioned at Bojangle’s or where ever. I really wish that this was all made up lies, but as it has been stated, very many times, where there is smoke there is fire. There are wonderful people in this county who deserve a good life. This corruption helps to further depress an already depressed county. I feel that myself, Miss Kitty and so many others do realize this and want the best for every decent, law abiding citizen without regards to race, creed or color. Until the smoke clears I remain—–”Big Bubba”
By Prettiest town in Dixie May 29, 2009 at 9:59 am
Big Bubba I agree completely with you! No matter what “John Wilson” says I enjoy your humor in this time of uncertainty, instead of all the name calling and finger pointing that’s going on. It’s the FBI, who’s guilty will be guilty, and who’s not won’t!! Let the FBI do their job they have many ways to find out what they need to know without the whole county’s help. Anyway’s keep up the humor and keep spirits up! We can’t let this ruin the rest of us left in the county when this is all said and done or it will never end! Thanks Big Bubba!! Let Mr know when and where the pig pickin will be I’m there!
By Cheraw Resident May 29, 2009 at 11:02 am
I agree with you Prettiest town in Dixie I also enjoy the humor. People are afraid. We all know things on people that have been mentioned and some don’t.This is a place for us to talk and get things off our chest. We should not have to put our real names but like Bubba said when this is over then I’ll be glad to give my name. We shouldn’t have to worry that when we make a statement that someone is going to bash us for saying it. People hear things, see things or have had things happen to them by these people and we should be able to tell it without worry. And No, most people don’t have proof but how can you prove something that was said to you or things you’ve seen these people do.Who are we to say they didn’t happen. Let people have their say maybe some of us will learn something. Oh yeah and Bubba Let me know also when the Pig Pickin is, I’d like to come too. :0)
By Big Bubba May 29, 2009 at 11:03 am
Well now, Prettiest town in Dixie, Big Bubba surely appreciates you encouragement. Can you see how this could really be the Prettiest Town once the ungly corruption is cleared. As a matter of fact, the county would benefit greatly and possibly be the prettiest county. Big Bubba would still be ugly but LOVED!!!!! Hey ya’ll just heard some gossip. Weigh it against a bowl of grits and see which is heavier. But, it was told by a source that someone that is not in the solicitor’s office, no names from me, could return once everything is settled. Now would this not be a “hoot” if S——–, ooops, I mean this person was to be placed back in after the proverbial “dust has settled.” Once again, my toupee off to all of the hard working, HONEST, folk in this good county. OH, everybody, I have started to fatten up Mildred my prized sow for the “pickin”. I can smell the B-B-Que now. can’t ya’ll? Later.
THE BIG BUBBA
By Big Bubba May 29, 2009 at 11:52 am
Cheraw resident, thank you for your encouragement and support. Things will get better, but might get worse first. Remember, I wrote in one of these blogs to have your headlights on, during the day of Friday Saturday and Sunday, if you think that most of these named folk are guilty. This will show us that we are all supporting each other. Mildred the sow has really been keeping an eye on me when I am out slopping. Even my dog, Big Buck, seems to know that a “pickin” is in the making.
Big Bubba
By DireWolf May 29, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Big Bubba,
You might be better off if you hold on to Mildred and just buy a hog at the packing plant.If Fart,Barf and Itch indict the whole crowd at the solicitor’s office you might be able to slide in and get 67K a year to provide Swine Therapy to the potheads. The job comes with an air-conditioned office on Ye Olde Maine Street,Olde Towne Centre,Chesterfielde. Mildred would be in hawg heaven!
By Big Bubba May 29, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Direwolf:
Do ya’ think so. Big Bubba don’t make much money. You know selling some pine straw and cleaning out horse stable just doesn’t pay too much. I could take those potheads over to my place and have them clean the hog waller and paint the roof of my trailer. I need a new toilet hole dug, do you reckon that they can dig down about 6 feet. I have a 2 seater just in case I get married and my wife wants her on seat. I would be glad to talk to the potheads about how that stuff makes you dumb if you inhale. Do you know what all Bubba could buy with 67K a year. I could get new Bondo on my left front fender. I will tell Mildred what you said, cause she ain’t none to happy with me right now.
Big Bubba
By Hello reality calling...... May 30, 2009 at 11:25 am
Check the Cheraw Chronicle, website. There is a correction posted….Safronia Finch is still an employee of the solicitors office….(after she gets out of the funny farm?)
Maybe she and Jay Hodge cooked up a story….you pretend you are having a nervous breakdown, I will blame everything on you….when you getout…it will be all over…seems like that is the “kinda thinkin” these folk do around here.
What do ya think Bib Bubba?
By Hello reality calling...... May 30, 2009 at 11:27 am
Sorry…Big Bubba…Can I still come to the B-B-Que
By Big Bubba May 30, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hello—Hello reality calling! Yes you can still come to the B-B-Que. I am not quiet sure what everyone is thinking right now. But, I know what I am thinking. This “thing” is getting deep and heavy, just like my pigs are in the mud waller. I hope that no one comes up missing. There is a lot of finger pointing going on. If there is a true investigation going on, it had better come to a head soon. Big Bubba is glad that he does not have dog in this fight. Oh, I have seen a lot of headlights on in support of all of us that take a stand for what is right. Please keep them on until tomorrow. Does anyone know if one of the “pointed at” have made any statements to let us know where they stand. I have always heard that still water runs deep. Mildred is on a hunger strike. Maybe I will get that 67K job and she can “untighten” herself. She has her back to the far corner of the pen and watches every move that I make. Later my friends and neighbors.
Big Bubba
By The Pig Whisperer May 31, 2009 at 5:05 pm
O How The Mighty Have Fallen!!!!!
I just seen the ex-solicitor running across the compound in a pair of knee-high rubber boots and boxers chasing a beautiful Duroc.
By Big Bubba May 31, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Well things has guieten down a little bit over the last day. I saw a lot of headlights on is support of “the cause”. I was sitting around with one of my cousins drinking a few “cold ones.” Ice tea that is!!!!! My cuz told me that my Aunt Mildred, his momma, was mad with me for naming my pig after her. Now, you know, this hurt and made me feel bad. I went rat over and told Aunt Mildred that I meant no harm and that my Mildred was not named after her. She IS sort of “big” if you know what I mean. She had her head bobbing and her hands on her hips just like she was gonna bust my head. Then with a great big smile she grabbed me and give me a big bodacious hug and said that she stilled love me. So I tell ya’ll what I did I changed the pigs name to “Left Over” cuz ifen I get that job when the carpet is swept at the solicitor’s office that is just what my pig will be. She still stays in one corner and stares at me very cautious. I have not told her of the upcoming “promotion” that I may get. I told my dog, Big Buck, that we may not have to eat Mil–I mean “Left Over”. He has sure been eyeing that hog. Have ya’ll ever seen Big Buck? He is what you call a shewarwar, no ugh chiwahwer you know that mousey looking little dog that shakes all of the time. If you scare him, he starts blinking his eyes and pees everywhere. You would not think that a dog that little could hold that much pee. If you want to see him get mean just drop a pork chop on the floor. I would not try and pick it up to eat or you may lose a finger. Big Buck is shore looking forward for our first annual liberation pig pickin. Well, I reckon that I have rambled on for long enough. I have to slop Left Over and the my other two pigs. Later my friend and family of this wonderful county of Chesterfield. PEACE
Big Bubba
By jello June 10, 2009 at 6:08 am
This is so stupd. This is the person that wants to stick to the issues. You have got to be kiddin me.
By Big Bubba June 11, 2009 at 11:01 am
Now I don’t know but I is beginning to think that Mr/Ms Jello jus’ might not like Ol’ Bubba. We have to work together to git this here issue at hand solved. There is a heap of power in numbers of people on the same page and not fussin’. Just remember Mr/Ms Jello, and I say this with the most utmost respect. There is no I in team, but there is a “U” in s-t-u-p-I-d. So let’s “U” and “I” be part of the same team and seek justice for the unlawful that is suppose to inforce the law. I am Big Bubba-purveyor of truth, justice and the American Way.
By john June 27, 2009 at 1:58 pm
post on every article hope to get some answers
People need to get their stories straight before they tell them.
First, Safrona Finch is not nor has she been in any treatment. I just spoke with her in person in Cheraw and she is fine. I did not right out ask but it appears she is still working but maybe on leave.
Second,this Barbara Bullard person is she one and the same that has had problems at several non-rpofits around the area?