Watch: Legislators Calling for Richland Co. Recreation Commission Investigation

Richland County, S.C. (WOLO) — Senator Joel Lourie and Representatives Beth Bernstein and James Smith say it was an online news report with allegations of nepotism and pay offs happening at the Recreation Commission that prompted this investigation.

All three legislators, who are part of the body responsible for appointing commission members, say these accusations are too serious to be ignored.

According to Senator Lourie, “When it’s alleged that a board member has been receiving cash improperly it’s time to take this out of the hands of the commission. It’s time to take this out of the hands of the politicians and turn it over to law enforcement and let the chips fall where they may.”

The three legislators are looking to Sheriff Leon Lott to coordinate the special investigation into the Commission’s director and members.

Additionally the lawmakers are proposing legislation that would transfer appointment power for the commission from the delegation to the Richland County Council.

The Richland County Senator explains, “I would like for the county to run that agency. The county funds that agency. it only makes sense that those who fund the agency should have control over the agency.”

In a statement released by the Richland County Recreaction Commission the agency denies all of the published allegations as well as some they say are currently in litigation.