Panel Publicly Investigating Ex-House Member for Harassment

Eddie Southard

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The House Ethics Committee is publicly pursuing allegations that former Rep. Eddie Southard sexually harassed several women at the Statehouse.

The committee found probable cause Tuesday that Southard violated House policy prohibiting harassment. The 9-0 vote comes a month after the 69-year-old married Republican resigned amid the then-confidential investigation, saying he wanted to protect his family.

Southard said Tuesday he was told if he resigned, the case would be closed.

But he remains on the ballot to potentially regain his Moncks Corner seat in November.

The committee’s finding makes the allegations public and provides for a public hearing. Southard says he’s disappointed.

Documents show two that Statehouse pages and a lobbyist, all black, say Southard’s comments, hugs and touching on places like their knee or arm made them uncomfortable.