|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
by WILL FOLKS
***
Our media outlet led the way on several major South Carolina stories this week – most notably a controversial plea deal reached between prosecutors and disgraced ex-Colleton County clerk of court Becky Hill.
Hill is the former public official whose jury tampering has jeopardized the hard-won guilty verdicts secured three years ago by state prosecutors against convicted killer Alex Murdaugh. The tampering – and alleged jury rigging – forms the basis of Murdaugh’s bid for a new trial, which will be heard by the S.C. supreme court on February 11, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST.
In our first segment this week, research director Jenn Wood and I discussed the details of Hill’s controversial guilty plea on misconduct in office, obstruction of justice and perjury charges – and the potential of that plea to impact the Murdaugh saga moving forward.
We also discussed several other “loose ends” in this case – and whether prosecutors would even opt to retry Muradugh in the event he is granted a new trial (the confessed fraudster is currently serving lengthy state and federal sentences for the financial crimes he pleaded guilty to).
***
In our second segment, Jenn and I discussed the latest fallout from the Clemson University development scandal – specifically the abrupt resignation of university president James P. Clements earlier this week.
Clements’ decision has fanned the flames of this scandal – which according to our sources may involve a nascent criminal component.
Finally, our Erin Parrott and I discussed a massive sting operation in the Palmetto State focused on illegal intoxicants sold at vape shops – an emerging front in the multi-billion dollar hemp regulation battle. Erin broke down the charges filed against defendants in this case, while Dylan Nolan joined me for an update on the broader regulatory battle unfolding in Washington, D.C. and in Columbia, S.C.
As always, thanks so much to everyone who watched this week’s program. And remember, your support is what drives everything we do at FITSNews. The lights, the cameras, the accountability … all of it is a direct result of your subscriptions. If you value the sort of independent, unapologetic coverage we provide – please help us out and consider subscribing today!
Oh, and for everyone who said they liked my FITSNews sweatshirt last week… our merch store is officially open! Just in time for Christmas shopping…
***
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.
3 comments
The Becky Hill plea deal really raises questions about accountability in public office—especially given its potential ripple effects on the Murdaugh cases. Coupled with the abrupt Clemson president resignation, it feels like South Carolina is facing a crisis of trust at multiple levels. The hemp sting adds another layer, highlighting how regulatory gaps can quickly become enforcement nightmares. I’m curious how others see the state’s leadership handling these overlapping scandals—are these isolated incidents, or signs of deeper systemic issues?
In the Becky Hill case, the presiding judge did not have to accept her plea deal. But they did anyway
What Hill did was extremely serious. That judge not punishing her with a few years of actual incarceration speaks volumes of how out of control the judiciary is.
A big movement must happen to purge the system. Nothing will ever happen untill the public at large rises up and lock up the dirty judges and lawyers.
Pay attention. If the Solicitor says there’s no evidence of jury tampering it would be hard to award Alex Murdaugh a retrial.