HANAHAN, S.C. — A formal ethics hearing is set for Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater after the South Carolina Ethics Commission determined there is probable cause to move forward with allegations involving one of the city’s controversial land deals.
The ethics commission has scheduled a formal hearing for June 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. According to the notice sent to the mayor by certified mail on March 23, the hearing will take place at the commission’s office at 201 Executive Center Drive, Suite 150, in Columbia.
Allegations center on Yeamans Hall Road sale
The case stems from a complaint filed in September 2025 by Hanahan native and developer C. Ray Wrenn, CEO of The Wrenn Group, who alleges conflicts of interest involving Rainwater and Councilman Michael Sally.
The ethics commission will consider two primary allegations against the mayor:
- Count One: That Rainwater used her official position to participate in a June 2022 real estate closing involving property on Yeamans Hall Road while associated with Carolina One Realty, which had a financial interest in the deal — a potential violation of state law prohibiting use of office for financial gain.
- Count Two: That she failed to recuse herself from that same transaction despite the alleged conflict of interest.
The property was sold for $425,000, with the city financing most of the purchase. Carolina One took a 3 percent commission on the sale, according to the complaint. The buyer, however, later defaulted, and the property was ultimately returned to the city.
Williams Lane sale also under scrutiny
The complaint also points to a February 2021 sale of 21.3 acres on Williams Lane for approximately $1.68 million.
According to the filing, Carolina One Real Estate — where Rainwater and Sally were affiliated — received roughly $49,500 in commissions tied to that deal. The complaint alleges both officials failed to recuse themselves despite their connection to the brokerage.
The late former councilman Kenneth Boggs said in a sworn affidavit that he was not aware the city paid a real estate commission in connection with that sale until after his term ended.
Affidavits raise concerns about transparency
Katherine Farias, the city’s former procurement agent, stated in a sworn affidavit that she was present at the June 7, 2022 closing and described concerns raised ahead of the meeting. According to her affidavit, the city treasurer questioned whether Mayor Rainwater should be involved in signing documents due to her affiliation with Carolina One Real Estate, which was receiving a commission from the sale.
“She expressed concern about Mayor Rainwater signing the closing documents because she was a real estate agent for Carolina One Real Estate, who was being paid a commission on the sale of the property,” Farias stated.
Farias said that later that evening, staff were notified that former City Administrator Mike Cochran would sign the closing documents instead.
Despite not signing, Farias said Rainwater was present at the closing.
“She only asked the closing attorney one question, and that was to verify the amount of the commission being paid to Carolina One Real Estate and wanted to be shown the amount on the settlement statement,” Farias stated. “After verifying the commission, she directed Mike Cochran to sign the closing documents.”
Separate allegation involves councilman
The complaint includes a separate allegation against Councilman Sally, accusing him of attempting to obtain a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination card in 2021 — a claim detailed in an affidavit from former Fire Chief Joseph “Bo” Bowers Jr. That allegation is not part of the ethics commission’s current charges against Rainwater but is included in the broader complaint.
It’s not clear whether Sally is being investigated or if another hearing might happen down the road. The FOIA records released to The Berkeley Observer on April 10 didn’t mention either one.
Feb. 7 letter to Ethics Commission
In a formal response dated Feb. 7, Rainwater denied the allegations and argued that the timeline of events contradicts claims of wrongdoing.
She stated she did not become a licensed realtor until March 22, 2021, noting that the Yeamans Hall Road sale process — including the request for proposals — began months earlier in October 2020.
Rainwater emphasized that city staff, not elected officials, selected the real estate broker and managed the process.
She also challenged the credibility of affidavits included in the complaint, describing them as coming from former employees and containing what she called “verifiable falsehoods.”
“I have served this community with integrity,” Rainwater wrote. “Every decision and every vote I have made has never been for personal gain but for the advancement of my community.”
Jan. 16 Facebook statement
In a separate public statement posted January 16 to Facebook, Rainwater pushed back strongly against the allegations and questioned the motives behind the complaint.
“Aside from the $7,200 yearly salary as Mayor, I have never ever financially benefited from the City of Hanahan,” she said, adding that she and her family have contributed personal funds to local programs, churches and residents in need.
She reiterated that the land sale process began before she became a licensed realtor and said she has never received a commission from any city-related transaction.
Rainwater acknowledged that, in hindsight, she would have recused herself from a council vote tied to the property.
“For perception alone, I would have recused myself from that vote,” she said. “I understand perception is important.”
She also questioned the circumstances surrounding the complaint, pointing to a surge in public records requests and alleging a developer was attempting to “paint a picture to infer a story.”
“I will never take back door deals or do anything to benefit myself personally,” she added.
Community reaction shows support
The mayor’s January Facebook post drew strong support from many community members and local officials.
Michelle Villeponteaux Driggers wrote that Rainwater “serves others” and has consistently demonstrated transparency, adding that she continues to stand firm in sharing facts and truth.
Dee Stew of the Hanahan Recreation Department praised the mayor’s leadership and support for city programs, saying her “actions speak volumes” and have helped strengthen the department and its services.
Councilman Jarrod Brooks pointed to the city’s performance in independent audits, noting Hanahan has achieved high ratings in areas including real estate transaction oversight.
Other residents echoed similar sentiments. Lisa Henson described Rainwater as a leader of “integrity, honesty, and sincerity,” while Janet Huston Bell said the mayor has consistently demonstrated “the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.”
What happens next
The June hearing will allow the ethics commission to review evidence, hear testimony and determine whether violations occurred.
Rainwater has the right to legal representation, to call and question witnesses, and to present evidence. The hearing will be open to the public under state law.
A pre-hearing conference may be scheduled to organize evidence and witness lists ahead of time.
If violations are found, penalties could include fines or other disciplinary action.
