Watch: Rec. Commission Responds to Richland Co. Lawmakers
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Richland County, S.C. (WOLO) — Members of Richland County’s state house delegation sent a letter Monday demanding clear answers on allegations against the commission’s executive director and his son.
On Thursday afternoon the commission sent a response letter addressing each issue outlined in the delegation’s letter.
Representative Joe McEachern was on of the eight delegation member to sign the original letter, he says, “We have a lot of huge issues being made over here. What do we need to do to help this process along when we have no idea what decision the board is making.”
In the delegation’s letter lawmakers request detailed answers on the employment status of Executive Director James Brown and his son, Recreation Director James A. Brown.
Additionally the delegation questions how the commission is funding legal fees associated with multiple civil lawsuits against the executive director.
In a written response, the commission confirms that Executive Director James Brown went on paid leave July 1st pending the outcome of the ongoing RCSD, SLED and FBI investigation.
“This director has been a huge problem. They are so afraid for their jobs that they don’t even want mention it and are being terrorized,” says Rep. McEachern of the employees at the Recreation Commission.
The letter goes on to say that Recreation Director James A. Brown was suspended without pay upon his May 27th arrest for drug trafficking and possession.
According to the letter the Insurance Reserve Fund is currently covering the cost of five employee related lawsuits against the executive director.
While the delegation only functions in an advisory role, McEachern says with the insight lawmakers can provide the right recommendations and total transparency for the public.
