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The elected sheriff of Beaufort County, South Carolina is seeking information from the government which sets its budget and oversees its operations – setting up a potentially high stakes confrontation as an investigation into alleged corruption and misuse of taxpayer funds by county officials rages on.
Our audience will recall this media outlet exclusively reported on much of the alleged corruption in Beaufort County – which led to the removal from office of the former county administrator last year and the empaneling of a statewide grand jury.
On July 1, 2024, a new Beaufort County administrator took over – and this week he was provided a letter from the sheriff’s office seeking information regarding the investigation. In a letter to administrator Michael Moore from Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) chief deputy Michael Hatfield, BCSO is requesting an “unredacted and complete copy” of a recent external audit conducted by the Haynsworth, Sinkler & Boyd law firm.
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According to Hatfield, county council has admitted that its staff “failed to adhere to the county’s procurement and P-card guidelines,” a statement which he asserts “is in direct contradiction” to its previous conclusion that there was “no evidence of criminal activity.”
“An unbiased review of these requested materials should ensure, and put to rest any concerns regarding speculation that any malfeasance on behalf of county staff was detected or is contained therein,” the letter added.
To catch up on this drama, click here …
And count on our media outlet to update its audience in the event we obtain any additional information regarding the impetus behind this letter.
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THE LETTER …
(Provided)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
Will Folks is the owner and founding editor of FITSNews. Prior to founding his own news outlet, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina, bass guitarist in an alternative rock band and bouncer at a Columbia, S.C. dive bar. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.
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4 comments
There is not “direct contradiction” between a failure to adhere to guidelines and procedure and “no evidence of criminal activity”. Sure, you can violate a policy in a way that is also criminal, but it’s not necessarily the case. For instance, an employee could purchase a routine supply using a P-card that would be completely legitimate, if not for the fact that they didn’t obtain the pre-approval of a superior. Maybe that superior was out of town, and the item was needed immediately. Technically, that would be a violation of P-card guidelines, but it’s clearly not criminal.
I don’t think this is a little unauthorized purchase.
Sheriff in Beaufort is a grandstander. SLED is already investigating it so he needs to pipe down and let the investigation run its course.
Strong words