SLED charges 2 former SC elections commissions employees, election commission releases statement

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Two former employees with the SC Election Commission have been arrested and charged with multiple charges, according to SLED.

Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division say Howard Matthew Knapp, 40, and Margaret Paige Salonich, 41, on were arrested on Friday, October 24.

Knapp who was the executive director of the SC Election Commission is being charged with accessory after the fact, misconduct in office, embezzlement of public funds (value less than $10,000), and 8 counts of use of official position or office for financial gain.

Former Deputy Director Salonich is being charged with wiretapping.

Margaret Paige Salonich is accused of placing a recording device in the SCEC Commissioner’s meeting room to record a meeting that was connected to the termination of Knapp.

An arrest warrant states that Knapp later called SCEC employees to have them remove the recording device, so the wiretapping would not be discovered which led to his accessory after the fact charge.

His other charges are related to him allegedly using state vehicles for personal use, and for allegedly using public funds to buy thousands of dollars of gas for the vehicles.

Both Knapp, and Salonich were taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, according to the AG’s Office.

SC Election Commission’s Interim Director Jenny Wooten released the following statement:

The State Election Commission is aware of the arrests of two former employees for alleged crimes that occurred during their employment with the agency. We appreciate the thorough work of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). While none of the allegations involve the conduct of South Carolina’s elections, they are nonetheless deeply troubling. Through internal investigations, personnel actions, and full cooperation with law enforcement, the Commission’s Chairman and members have acted swiftly, decisively, and transparently to address this matter. The State Election Commission is firmly committed to restoring the public’s trust and remains dedicated to upholding the integrity, accountability, and professionalism that the people of South Carolina expect and deserve.