Post by Logan on May 14, 2016 10:35:49 GMT -6
Statehouse probe stalled while Supreme Court mulls who should control investigation
An investigation into Statehouse corruption is stuck in limbo while the state Supreme Court tries to decide whether the probe should remain in the hands of a special prosecutor fired by the attorney general who appointed him.
Many expected the high court to move swiftly to squelch the simmering feud between Attorney General Alan Wilson and 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe. But seven weeks have passed since Wilson moved to dump Pascoe, and the justices haven’t uttered a peep.
Pascoe, who was handpicked by Wilson to probe lawmaker misdeeds, has accused Wilson of trying to impede his investigation. Wilson, in turn, has accused Pascoe of overstepping his authority in trying to use the state grand jury to examine corruption allegations.
Some legal observers have speculated the Supreme Court is dragging its feet to avoid issuing a contentious ruling before lawmakers vote on Justice Donald Beatty’s bid to lead the S.C. high court. The election for chief justice is scheduled for May 25, and Beatty is the lone candidate for the job.
Read more: www.postandcourier.com/20160513/160519720/statehouse-probe-stalled-while-supreme-court-mulls-who-should-control-investigation
An investigation into Statehouse corruption is stuck in limbo while the state Supreme Court tries to decide whether the probe should remain in the hands of a special prosecutor fired by the attorney general who appointed him.
Many expected the high court to move swiftly to squelch the simmering feud between Attorney General Alan Wilson and 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe. But seven weeks have passed since Wilson moved to dump Pascoe, and the justices haven’t uttered a peep.
Pascoe, who was handpicked by Wilson to probe lawmaker misdeeds, has accused Wilson of trying to impede his investigation. Wilson, in turn, has accused Pascoe of overstepping his authority in trying to use the state grand jury to examine corruption allegations.
Some legal observers have speculated the Supreme Court is dragging its feet to avoid issuing a contentious ruling before lawmakers vote on Justice Donald Beatty’s bid to lead the S.C. high court. The election for chief justice is scheduled for May 25, and Beatty is the lone candidate for the job.
Read more: www.postandcourier.com/20160513/160519720/statehouse-probe-stalled-while-supreme-court-mulls-who-should-control-investigation