SC Speaker Harrell indicted for misconduct in (9) office, ethics violations

http://www.thestate.com/2014/09/10/3672218/richland-county-grand-jury-indicts.html?sp=/99/132/312/169/



Speaker Bobby Harrell presided over a special, one-day session of the SC House on Wednesday, August 27, 2014

SC Speaker Harrell indicted for misconduct in office, ethics violations
By JOHN MONK
September 10, 2014

COLUMBIA, SC — After months of trying to shut down an investigation into his use of campaign money, S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell was indicted Wednesday on nine charges, including illegally using campaign money for his personal expenses, filing false campaign disclosure reports and misconduct in office.

It was the first time in memory that a sitting House speaker has been indicted. A Richland County grand jury issued the nine separate, single-count indictments.

Shortly thereafter, Republican Gov. Nikki Haley and several House members said Harrell should resign as speaker.

Haley would not elaborate on why she thought her fellow Republican should step aside. But the pair have quarreled for years, dating back to her days as a state representative from Lexington when, she said, Harrell stripped her of a choice committee assignment.