An emergency meeting has been scheduled in Orangeburg, South Carolina for early this week between special prosecutor David Pascoe, state investigators and one of the subjects of the ongoing #ProbeGate investigation.
Rumors abound that another target of this multi-jurisdictional investigation into governmental corruption in the Palmetto State is preparing to turn state’s evidence – meaning they will agree to cooperate with prosecutors as part of a plea deal in connection with charges filed against them.
Who is meeting with Pascoe? And what sort of deal will be struck?
Stay tuned …
So far, Pascoe’s investigation has yielded the resignations of two influential politicians – former S.C. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell (in October of 2014) and former “Republican” majority leader Jimmy Merrill (in September of this year).
Harrell pleaded guilty to six ethics violations while Merrill pleaded guilty to one criminal misconduct in office charge. Both men have been cooperating with Pascoe’s probe ever since they entered into their plea deals with prosecutors.
Five other individuals are currently facing charges – veteran “Republican” political consultant Richard Quinn, his son state representative Rick Quinn, State Senator John Courson, former S.C. House judiciary chairman Jim Harrison and former S.C. House health care subcommittee chairman Tracy Edge.
Additionally, we’re told Pascoe has referred a case involving at least one other South Carolina elected official to federal prosecutors.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our stories? Please feel free to submit your own guest column or letter to the editor via-email HERE. Got a tip for us? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question? CLICK HERE. Want to support what we’re doing? SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Banner: iStock