Ethics cases against SC lawmakers unresolved

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Keeping up with allegations of ethical misconduct against South Carolina politicians is becoming increasingly difficult; 2014 begins with at least four cases awaiting decisions from three different authorities.

The House Ethics Committee is still weighing what to do with Rep. Harold Mitchell. The Spartanburg Democrat has said he kept poor records and didn’t properly pay bills, but that mistakes were unintentional.

Attorney General Alan Wilson is reviewing the case of former Sen. Robert Ford. The Charleston Democrat resigned May 31 amid hearings by the Senate Ethics Committee, which found he committed multiple violations and forwarded documents to Wilson.

Wilson also is reviewing allegations against House Speaker Bobby Harrell after taking up that complaint directly in February.

Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom’s hearing before the State Ethics Commission is set for March.