An ethics investigation into House Speaker Bobby Harrell appears to be intensifying. Harrell’s case has now been turned over to the state Grand Jury.
Mark Powell, a spokesperson for Attorney General Alan Wilson, confirmed the move in a press release Monday afternoon.
“In response to various inquiries to this Office regarding the status of the Speaker Bobby Harrell matter, this is to advise that it is being referred to the State Grand Jury,” stated Powell in the letter. “No further comment will be forthcoming from this Office due to State Grand Jury secrecy requirements.“
The state grand jury has the power to call witnesses to testify and to subpoena documents. In order for Harrell, a Charleston businessman, to be indicted, at least 12 of the 18 jurors must find probable cause that the state lawmaker committed a crime.
On Monday, Harrell stated that he was disappointed that the Attorney General notified the press before contacting his attorneys or him about the decision.
“This decision contradicts every indication that SLED and the Attorney General’s Office have given us on the progress of this investigation. I have cooperated fully and voluntarily with this investigation, provided access to everything they requested and met with investigators for several interviews,” stated Harrell.
Harrell went on to state that during every stage of the investigation, investigators found no reasons for concern and that he was “shocked” by the sudden change of course.
“This has drawn on for far too long and been done behind closed doors. I call on the Attorney General to immediately release the entire SLED report to the public. This report contains the facts of this matter, facts that have been kept from the public and even kept from my attorneys and me,” stated Harrell.
In February 2013, Ashley Landress, president of the South Carolina Policy Council, filed a formal complaint against Harrell with the attorney general.
Some of the things the complaint asked Wilson to investigate include whether Harrell used campaign funds for personal reasons, violated state law by appointing his brother to a state judicial screen panel, failure to maintain required records documenting his campaign expenses, etc.
To read the complaint in full, please click here.
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