SCVotes Scandal: Former Agency Director, Top Deputy Arrested

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

by WILL FOLKS

***

Former South Carolina Election Commission (SCVotes.gov) executive director Howie Knapp and his top deputy, Paige Salonich, were arrested this week by agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

According to the Richland County public index (.pdf), Knapp is facing eight charges related to the use of his official position for financial gain, one accessory after the fact charge, one embezzlement charge and one misconduct in office charge.

Salonich is facing a wiretapping charge.

According to a statement issued late Friday (October 24, 2025) by SLED, its investigation was requested by the office of S.C. attorney general Alan Wilson – whose prosecutors will pursue the charges against Knapp and Salonich. SLED’s statement (.pdf) indicated the investigation of the two was “active and ongoing,” which is consistent with what we are hearing from our network of law enforcement and prosecutorial sources.

The arrests of Knapp, 40 of Columbia, S.C., and Salonich, 41, of Cayce, S.C., were made one month after both bureaucrats were terminated from their positions with the agency – which is responsible for upholding the fairness, impartiality and accessibility of elections in the Palmetto State. Knapp was fired from his post on September 17, 2024 by a 3-2 vote of the commission. Salonich was fired the following day, according to agency records obtained by FITSNews under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

News of the wiretapping investigation into Knapp and Salonich was first reported by FITSNews.

***

***

A termination letter to Salonich from SCVotes noted she was “recorded on agency security cameras placing an unauthorized device in the (commission) training room, a clear violation of state and agency policy.” Prior to her termination, Salonich was suspended from her post pending “an internal investigation into malicious use of profane/abusive language to others and improper conduct or conduct unbecoming of a state employee.”

“Since (Knapp’s) dismissal, we have learned of additional misconduct and further details about the misconduct we already knew about it,” SC Votes chairman and former U.S. circuit court judge Dennis Shedd told reporters earlier this month. “He and his very close friend and fellow employee, Paige Salonich, were involved in planting a device in this very room to record our confidential meeting.”

According to a probable cause affidavit accompanying the warrant for Salonich’s arrest, Shedd’s assessment was accurate. Salonich “placed a personal recording device in the (SCVotes) commissioners meeting room in an attempt to intentionally intercept, or attempt to intercept confidential communications without consent between commissioners,” investigators alleged.

According to probable cause affidavits accompanying the warrants for Knapp’s arrest on the accessory charge, he and Salonich were “both banned from the (SCVotes) office following a (commissioners) meeting to terminate Knapp.”

“Prior to the meeting, Salonich placed a personal recorder in the (SCVotes) commissioners meeting room to record the meeting,” one affidavit noted. “Later that evening and the following day, Knapp phoned (SCVotes) employees in an attempt to remove (the) personal recorder placed in the meeting room by Salonich with the intent to prevent any discovery of Salonich’s crime and to prevent necessary evidence for Salonich’s arrest and prosecution.”

***

As FITSNews exclusively reported, Knapp and Salonich were allegedly engaged in a steamy workplace romantic relationship during their tenures at SCVotes. In fact, during the investigation into the wiretapping allegations, pornography was allegedly found on at least one flash drive in Knapp’s office. Based on that discovery, approximately 7-8 flash drives were collected for forensic examination by SLED investigators. A packet of “Silk Deluxe” lube was also found in Knapp’s office. This so-called “massage gel,” according to its packet, “glides on like velvet, leaving you feeling soft and satisfied for hours.”

In Salonich’s office, investigators found several items – including a “Love Journal” reportedly containing pages of writings in Knapp’s handwriting which purportedly expressed his undying affection for her. At least a hundred Post-it notes containing similar messages – and several sexually explicit communications – were also reportedly found in Salonich’s office (also in Knapp’s handwriting).

Another interesting discovery in Salonich’s office was a device dubbed “Weight For It” – which bills itself as a “pelvic floor fitness set” but also doubles as a vibrator.

***

***

Shedd was livid at the conduct uncovered by the investigation into Knapp and Salonich.

“This agency, we found out, had become a toxic and perhaps a hostile work environment under (Knapp’s) leadership,” Shedd said at this month’s SCVotes meeting.

The majority of the other charges faced by Knapp involve his alleged misappropriation of state property and funds related to a pair of taxpayer-funded vehicles “he used for unauthorized personal use,” according to investigators.

Specifically, Knapp’s warrant for misconduct in office alleged that the “used public funds in the form of a purchasing card to purchase fuel” for these two state vehicles, thus violating his “position of trust as executive director of (SCVotes).” Another warrant accused Knapp of embezzling nearly $5,500 in taxpayer funds via “unauthorized purchasing card expenditures” related to these fuel expenses.

“The state vehicles in question were utilized by Knapp and his spouse for unauthorized and off-duty personal use, business or recreation – which is in direct violation of state law,” the affidavits noted.

***

RELATED | SCVOTES LEADER SLAMS ‘HOSTILE, TOXIC’ ENVIRONMENT

***

Eight other warrants alleged that Knapp “unlawfully used his state purchasing card” from June 2023 through January 2024 to purchase thousands of dollars in fuel, thus obtaining an “economic interest” for himself or his family members.

Knapp, who is represented by Columbia, S.C. attorney Joe McCulloch, was granted a $75,000 bond on his charges, while Salonich was granted a $25,000 personal recognizance bond on the charge filed against her.

Both are scheduled to appear in court on December 19, 2025 for a first appearance on these charges.

“The State Election Commission is aware of the arrests of two former employees for alleged crimes that occurred during their employment with the agency,” interim SCVotes executive director Jenny Wooten said in a statement. “We appreciate the thorough work of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). While none of the allegations involve the conduct of South Carolina’s elections, they are nonetheless deeply troubling. Through internal investigations, personnel actions, and full cooperation with law enforcement, the Commission’s Chairman and members have acted swiftly, decisively, and transparently to address this matter. The State Election Commission is firmly committed to restoring the public’s trust and remains dedicated to upholding the integrity, accountability, and professionalism that the people of South Carolina expect and deserve.”

Following Friday’s bond court hearing for Knapp and Salonch, McColouch — speaking on Knapp’s behalf — provided FITSNews with a brief statement.

“This is all about politics,” the attorney said outside Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. “We look forward to a very public trial. We’ll see you there.”

As for Salonch, she was previously represented by Jim Griffin but appeared in court with attorney Catherine Hunter, who declined comment following Friday’s bond hearing.

This story may be updated.

***

RELEASE/WARRANTS…

(SLED)

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.

***

WANNA SOUND OFF?

Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to address proactively? We have an open microphone policy! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.