Ard Pleads Guilty on Seven Counts of Ethics Violations

Columbia, SC(WOLO, AP)–Former Lt. Governor Ken Ard has pleaded guilty to seven counts of violating the State Ethics Act. In a hearing Friday in a Richland Co. Courtroom, Ard also waived his right to a jury trial. Ard was indicted on the charges Friday following an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office. Ard stepped down at 10 a.m. Friday in a letter given to Gov. Nikki Haley and state Senate leaders. He also issued a statement, saying he was sorry and it was his responsibility to make sure his 2010 campaign money was spent correctly. If convicted of the seven misdemeanor charges, Ard would face up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine on each count.