Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A report into the travel of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has found probable cause of ethics violations, it was determined late Wednesday afternoon.
The report was compiled by the South Carolina Ethics Commission. According group members, several potential violations were found, although they declined to specify what those were.
With the commission's decision, Sanford will be put on notice for allegations of unethical behavior. A hearing will be held next year on the matter.
The notice, which will list the violations, will be released next week, according to Herbert Hayden, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Ethics Commission.
"A finding of probable cause is not a finding of guilt, it is only one phase in the process," Hayden said.
"We feel vindicated that the Ethics Commission's finding of probable cause is limited to minor, technical matters that do not include any allegations of criminal conduct," said Butch Bowers, Sanford's attorney, in a written statement. "A finding of probable cause is not a finding of guilt, and we look forward to our opportunity to finally present our side of the case to the Commission and get this matter resolved. We have fully cooperated with the Ethics Commission thus far, and we will continue to do so throughout this process. As we have always maintained, Governor Sanford supports the public release of the full and complete ethics report. We believe that once all of the facts have been considered, it will once again confirm that this administration has been a good steward of tax dollars and public resources."
The report has been expected for months, and its contents could have possible relevance if impeachment proceedings are brought against Sanford. The investigation looked into whether Sanford violated state ethics laws concerning the use of state planes. Related Coverage: Mark Sanford Travel Report to be Given to Henry McMaster Wednesday
With the commission's decision, Sanford will be put on notice for allegations of unethical behavior. Sanford's attorneys will now have a chance to review the document. The governor's lawyers would then have a chance to appeal.
"Those appeals can go to the court of appeals and can be appealed to the Supreme Court from the court of appeals," said Cathy Hazelwood, the attorney for the State Ethics Commission. "So when will these be done? I have no idea."
An Associated Press investigation into Sanford's travel appeared to find times when he used the plane for personal use. Critics have seized upon that investigation, saying the violations, if true, constitute impeachable offenses.
Sanford has maintained that he has done nothing wrong, and that he has always been a good steward of taxpayer's money--far better than his predecessors.
The probe was begun at the request of South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster after the allegations became public. Hayden said that the report would be turned over to McMaster.
"I will conduct a thorough review of the report to determine what, if any, prosecutorial action may be warranted by the facts," McMaster said in a written statement Tuesday.
The report is expected to be between 1,500 and 2,000 pages long, and took three months to complete. Two investigators composed the document, and it took hundreds of man-hours to complete.
The report has political implications as well. State lawmakers have said they want the report for use in a possible impeachment case against Sanford. Related Story: Supreme Court Says Ethics Probe Can't be Secret
Tuesday, Representative Greg Dellaney of Chester pre-filed a resolution of impeachment. Related Story: Mark Sanford Impeachment Resolution Pre-Filed at State House
During a special session of the General Assembly in October, Dellaney introduced the resolution, but it was ruled out of order. His measure, now that it's been pre-filed, will next move on to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. Previous Coverage: Impeachment Resolution Ruled Out of Order
Meanwhile, a key lawmaker says there may not be a case for impeachment. House Speaker Bobby Harrell said Tuesday that if new allegations are not uncovered in the Ethics Commission report, he does not feel there is a strong argument for forcibly removing Sanford from office.
11/18/2009 7:49:37 PM
