SC Justices Favor Solicitor Over AG in Corruption Case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina’s highest court has handed a defeat to the state’s top prosecutor, ruling a solicitor had the authority to open a state grand jury investigation.

The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Solicitor David Pascoe is empowered to continue his investigation into allegations of corruption at the South Carolina Statehouse.

Wilson originally asked Pascoe to handle the investigation of former House Speaker Bobby Harrell because of a conflict, but the prosecutors have feuded publicly for months over an ongoing corruption investigation.

Pascoe sued Wilson after being told to halt his investigation, saying he had been given authority to open a state grand jury probe.

Wilson argued state law gave only him to start a grand jury investigation. The high court heard arguments in the cast last month.