AG Removes Prosecutor from Legislative Probe

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The special prosecutor tasked with investigating legislative corruption has been removed from the case, with the state attorney general’s office citing an “obvious abuse of power.”

In a letter obtained Monday by The Associated Press, Chief Deputy Attorney General John McIntosh told Solicitor David Pascoe he was “deeply troubled” the prosecutor had tried to open a state grand jury probe into a redacted portion of a state police report without proper authority.

Attorney General Alan Wilson designated Pascoe to head up prosecution against former House Speaker Harrell, who ultimately pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor campaign spending violations and resigned last fall.

State prosecutors have said the probe is ongoing, but no lawmakers have been charged. In his letter, McIntosh does not say which prosecutor will be appointed to take Pascoe’s place.