Wilson, Harrell React to Judge Manning’s Ruling

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Fifth Circuit Judge Casey Manning ruled against South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in regards to the ethics case involving South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell. Manning ruled the court system was not the place for the case. Harrell is accused of using political power for personal gain. Earlier this month, Judge Manning heard arguments from both Harrell’s attorney and Attorney General Wilson. Manning had to decide who or what entity should handle ethics violations against Harrell. Harrell’s lawyers argued the House Ethics Committee should preside over those allegations. However, Wilson claimed the allegations were criminal and should be handled by the State Grand Jury, not a panel of Harrell’s peers. Judge Manning’s ruling Monday means the State Grand Jury has to stop looking into whether Harrell should be indicted for allegations he used political power for personal gain. Both sides are reacting to the news. Attorney General Wilson released the following statement, “We believe today’s order of Judge Manning is without any foundation or support in the law. This office will vigorously pursue all appellate remedies and will seek to continue this investigation.” Speaker Harrell also released a statement that says, in part, “We are pleased with the court’s ruling that the politically motivated exceptions forced on this matter were inappropriate and that the proper legal process – not a political process – should be followed. The law is very clear on this matter and the judge made the right decision – and prior to inserting himself politically in this one case, it was a law the Attorney General had always followed.”