S.C. Rep. Harold Mitchell (D-Spartanburg) has been suspended from office after being indicted on tax charges. If he’s convicted, the fourth-term lawmaker would be removed from office – which would prompt a special election for his seat in the S.C. House of Representatives.
Last September, Mitchell put out a public statement announcing that the S.C. Department of Revenue (SCDOR) had sought warrants for his arrest.
“I have learned that warrants for my arrest were sought and received by the South Carolina Department of Revenue on charges of tax evasion, ” Mitchell said in a statement released from his office back in September. “I am uncertain as to the number of and specifics of the charges against me, as I have not yet seen the warrants.”
Mitchell wasn’t the only one who was uncertain about the situation, apparently, as authorities responding to his statement at the time said that no warrants for his arrest had been issued.
That changed on Friday, our sources say.
Mitchell – the chairman of the S.C. Legislative Black Caucus – is the executive director of a “Green Renewal” company called Regenesis that develops toxic waste sites into “livable communities.” He was first elected to the State House in 2005.
Mitchell isn’t the only South Carolina lawmaker facing tax issues, incidentally. S.C. Rep. Kris Crawford (R-Florence) was tried on tax charges in March – although the case resulted in a mistrial.
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By Independent January 17, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Now … go after the republican tax cheats in the SC Legislature. Many need a fine tooth comb audit.
Actually, SC needs another sting operation like “Lost Trust.”
By Portnoy January 17, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Like Crawford? Was he suspended?
By eggaday January 17, 2012 at 2:45 pm
yes yes YES
By Juan Williams, Fox News January 17, 2012 at 3:07 pm
In SC, crooked white politicians walk (or get elected Governor), while the black ones go to jail. How is that fair?
By Billy K Mulligan January 17, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Ravanel and Sharpe went to jail. So did Gene Carmichael and many more before, during and since Lost Trust.
By Tax man January 17, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Mitchell’s is indicted for tax evasion which carries a felony charge. Ethics rules require a suspension until cleared up.
Crawford was charged with a misdemeanor for late filing. Misdemeanors do not require suspension.
By purpleminded January 17, 2012 at 4:29 pm
The Speaker is just wrong not to suspend Viers, too.
By Charlie Rangel January 17, 2012 at 4:41 pm
As usual, the black man gets sent down the river, while de white man live it up. Ain’t no justice in this world for the black man.
And don’t put me in no cell with Thad Viers. Unh unh. No way.
By Uncle Remus January 17, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Da negro belongs in jail when he does wrong. The white man too. No difference there brother
By truthteller January 19, 2012 at 11:07 am
I don’t know what makes “Remus” so stupid… but by God it works well!
By baker January 17, 2012 at 5:25 pm
I like Harold, and I hope all this works out in his favor.
By Uncle Remus January 17, 2012 at 9:25 pm
If it works out, I assume he will find himself in jail.
By Cancerman January 18, 2012 at 12:15 am
He looks like Luke from Too Live Crew…
By dun na nuh nah nu nah! January 18, 2012 at 3:49 am
he looks like stuart scott
By Turkey Hunter January 18, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Any relation to The Honorable Theo Mitchell?