Richland Co. Rep. files articles of Impeachment of treasurer following $1.8 billion accounting error

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Thursday morning Richland County Representative Heather Bauer announced she has filed articles of impeachment against SC Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
Bauer says, over almost a decade, the treasurer knew or should have known of serious reporting errors.

The filing follows the results of a financial audit that discovered an accounting error compounded over a number of years lead to the appearance of $1.8 billion being unaccounted for.

In a news release Rep. Bauer writes, “Based on the audit report, it appears Treasurer Loftis was not honest when he appeared, under oath, before the Senate to give testimony and claimed the $1.8 Billion was real money for which he was able to account. Instead of providing honest answers and solutions, Treasurer Loftis was combative and evasive. He blamed others, attacked legislators, and at one point threw a pen before storming out. It was a puzzling and shameful display. Our money is not safe with Curtis Loftis.”
The Treasurer’s office sent ABC Columbia News a statement in response to Rep. Bauer’s impeachment inquiry it reads, “The people of South Carolina have elected Treasurer Loftis four times and appreciate his commitment to manage, invest and safeguard the state’s money. His focus remains on serving the taxpayers who elected him to this important role.