SC House Speaker Harrell charged with misconduct

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell has been indicted on misdemeanor charges that he used campaign donations for personal benefit and lied to law enforcement about his campaign expenses.

A Richland County grand jury on Wednesday indicted the 58-year-old Charleston Republican on nine charges, including misconduct in office, using campaign money for personal use and falsely reporting campaign disclosures.

Harrell says he’s never intentionally violated any law. Several of the charges allege he reimbursed himself for travel expenses he falsely claimed as legislative travel. But in a statement, Harrell insists he has not personally benefited from travel reimbursements.

Those calling for Harrell to step down as speaker while the case plays out include Gov. Nikki Haley; her Democratic challenger, Sen. Vincent Sheheen; and state Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison.