Prosecutors push less time in tourism theft case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a woman who admitted stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a South Carolina tourism group should spend less time in prison because of her help in drug cases.

Prosecutors say in court papers filed Friday that Rachel Duncan’s sentence should be reduced by about six months because her tips led to drug arrests in Richland and Lexington counties

Last month, Duncan was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison after admitting she embezzled nearly $400,000 from the South Carolina Hospitality Association.

Two weeks later, prosecutors say Duncan reported methamphetamine was being cooked in a Richland County hotel. Prosecutors also say Duncan reported more methamphetamine distribution in Lexington County.

Prosecutors say seven people were arrested, based on those tips. Duncan’s attorney didn’t immediately return a message Friday.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP