THE “BIG PAYBACK” IS ON …
S.C. circuit court judge Casey Manning will dismiss a public corruption case against embattled House Speaker Bobby Harrell – referring the case back to the S.C. General Assembly’s notoriously corrupt “ethics” committees, sources tell FITS.
Specifically, these sources say Manning will rule that the judicial branch has no jurisdiction in the Harrell matter – that it must go to the same S.C. House Ethics Committee that whitewashed a much stronger public corruption case against S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley in 2012.
That means S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson’s grand jury investigation of Harrell would come to an end.
Amazing right?
South Carolina: Where no evil deed goes punished.
Such a decision – which is expected as early as next week – shouldn’t be viewed as surprising. Manning previously referred Haley’s case to the same committee, arguing that this committee had exclusive jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed by current and former members of the S.C. House.
Also, Harrell went to bat for corrupt S.C. Chief Justice Jean Toal – helping her stave off a recent challenge to her rein of terror over the state’s judicial branch.
It’s obviously not surprising to learn that favor is being returned …
Harrell reportedly paid Charleston, S.C. attorneys Bart Daniel and Gedney Howe $100,000 apiece to represent him in his corruption case. He also engaged in a full-frontal smear campaign against Wilson – seeking to impugn the integrity of the Attorney General’s office.
UPDATE: The clerk for the statewide grand jury has issued a statement, however it does not address reports of Manning’s rumored dismissal of the case. Instead, it addresses Harrell’s ongoing effort to have Wilson removed as the prosecutor on the case.
“On Friday, March 21 a hearing in Richland County was held to determine whether Attorney General Alan Wilson should be disqualified from prosecuting a State Grand Jury investigation involving Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the South Carolina House. At the conclusion of the hearing both sides were directed to submit proposed orders to Judge Manning for review on the matter of possible disqualification. A request was subsequently received from Mr. Harrell’s attorneys to extend the date to Friday, March 28, which was granted and extended to both sides. Following that another request for extension was received from the Attorney General’s office. This request was then granted to both sides. Once both sides have submitted their final briefs a hearing will be scheduled for additional oral arguments. When that hearing date has been scheduled you will be notified.”
74 comments
… and the beat goes on…
For Harrell, the bell must Toal.
If this is true, it appears South Carolina may be reaching even greater heights in public corruption.
FITS Demanded Due Process for Child-killing Combat Islamic Terrorists on Jihad…Strange that if it’s a Republican, his “respect” for the law and Constitutions has a way of drying up…
It’s that what Liberal-Tarians stand for???
Why don’t you just leave the goddamn caps lock on?
I Slapped the $#!* out of your stupid @$$ w/ some truth…and you have no answer, AGAIN…Huh???…You should be embarrassed, but making a fool out of yourself is not the way to handle it..
Not sure why everyone is missing the fact that Manning is about to retire. He isn’t running for reelection to the bench and has already hand picked a successor. Therefore, he is not worried about any potential fallout from such a decision. Ever wonder why Hood (a young newly minted judge) handed him this case?
Well that was unexpected, If you are from Mars that is.
Yay! We’ll save some tax dollars on *that* one!
I love your update:
“The clerk for the statewide grand jury has issued a statement, however it does not address reports of Manning’s rumored dismissal of the case”
Why didn’t it contain those “reports”? Well, because this post is the only such report and you most likely made it up.
Hahaha!Yeh. Good point.Libertarian types and public “watchdogs like Fits often come across this conundrum.One has to spends loads of “taxpayer” money to protect the “taxpayer!
One thing is clear. Both sides wanted this postponed until AFTER filing date for primaries.
Will, are you shocked that lawyers cost money? I thought you were all anti-government & pro-free market…where’s all you outrage over how much this BS investigation is costing taxpayers???
They are money hungry leeches. All of them!
They will suck a Bank Vault through a garden hose!
Ever consider the fact that Wilson probably F-ed up this
whole thing and that he probably was right to turn down this case multiple
times before taking it on because his political consultants convinced him he
could score some big points?
It always amazes me how people will say how government is
totally incompetent at everything and in the very next breath will argue how
they are competent experts in cover-ups and hidden deals?
Word around the Dennis Building is that Alan’s world is falling apart. He wasn’t here today but his staff is rather chatty…talking about updating their resumes. They said they’ve know for a long time that Alan is a fraud and that this judge and more are going to shed light on exactly how big of a fraud…career ending kind of stuff
Wilson is going nowhere.He has no opposition in the Republican primary and anyone who believes that a Democrat is going to defeat a Republican in a statewide election in SC,even a boob like Wilson ,is an idiot.
Many of the posters here continuously post these type of absurd comments because they want it yo be so.Thats not the way things work in the real world.
Wilson will be EASILY re elected.As to his staff?Lawyers are a dime a dozen these days.He can replace them faster than it takes them to pack their stuff and clear the office.
Maybe you’re right and Wilson blames a lawyer(s) in his office for his own mistakes and cans them.
As for your comments about posters putting up “these type of absurd comments because they want it to be so” … isn’t that exactly what this entire blog does most of the time?
I was pointing out that it is absurd to claim that Alan Wilson the presumptive Republican candidate is going to lose his re election to an unknown Democrat in a state which has elected one Democrat to statewide office in the past ten years.Ill agree that a lot of wishful thinking goes on here,but that comment was more off the wall than most.
My point is Wilson and for t hat matter EVERY Republican candidate for statewide office in SC will be EASILY elected or ReElected and anyone who claims differently is whistling in the wind no matter how much they may wish to the contrary.
I told you help was on the way, didn’t I?
They post silliness because they are trolls looking for a response.
Would whoever holds the living will for ReElect Nikki, please pull the plug!
He is obviously a brain dead Republican only voter, no matter how corrupt, or incompetent. And yes, I feel the same about the vote one way yellow dog Dems.!!
Works for me.
Bullshit. Tell your friends for Harrell that he and the horse he rode on are both fucked. BTW. NSA knows who you are.
BINGO!
…”Word around the Dennis Building is that Alan’s world is falling apart. He wasn’t here today but his staff is rather chatty…talking about updating their resumes. They said they’ve know for a long time that Alan is a fraud and that this judge and more are going to shed light on exactly how big of a fraud…career ending kind of stuff”… BAM! …Bye, Bye…
“much stronger public corruption case against S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley”? I expect a whitewash, but Haley’s case involved money from a hospital and engineering firm for illegal lobbying and consulting. She was only “ambiguously lobbying”. She was at least right that what she was doing was common practice.
I don’t like it going to the HEC, but Harrell’s case involves taxpayer money. Overcharging for his plane and extravagant use is something the public can sink their teeth into. I doubt he would be removed from office, he may lose his speaker position and seniority.
What are the flight plans for his plane?, and how much was the fuel, where has he flown in his airplane and why and for how long was he there, its all in the flight plans.
If we had a real FBI presence in South Carolina, the criminal charges would stick. Maybe it is true that Toal got to Nettles on that also. Toal was worth more money that what Harrell paid Howe and Daniel.
Do not think anyone even a judge can stop a grand jury once it starts.
Jean Toal can. She told Casey what to do and how to do it.
If the judge rules that the Judicial Branch has no jurisdiction then the grand jury can’t do anything. Even if they continue there would be no ability to indite or present their findings because no court could act on it.
I do not know how a judge could claim no jurisdiction when there is evidence at this point of both federal amd state income tax evasion.
The judge is going to rule that because he is a sitting member of the South Carolina House that the judicial branch has no jurisdiction and any investigation and or charges would have to go through the House Ethics Committee. I’m not saying I agree, just that is what is going to happen. Empress Toal is the great ruler of South Carolina and she has spoken. Long live the Empress.
So when Ted Vick got two DUIs, why did the summary courts have jurisdiction and not the House Ethics Committee? If a Rep or Senator killed someone, would the courts throw it back to the Ethics Comittee? I understand why ethics violations may be returned to the Comittee (not saying I agree), but an out and out criminal offense, not an alleged ethics violation? If Bobby filed his reports electronically or via fax or email, why not wire fraud? That isn’t just an ethics violation, it is a criminal offense.
Because he was not supporting Toal, dumbass. Nor was his lawyer. Yes, yes, yes, SHE is that corrupt and powerful.
Obviously you’ve never been in Court!
Judges are treated like and believe they are GOD!
They make decisions which will affect you, your family and your life for however you live. You follow their orders or go directly to jail.
Family court is the worse !
If Harrell survives this scandal, you can stick a fork in Wilson, he’s DONE!
Is the so called “Fix” still in play? https://www.fitsnews.com/2014/03/16/alan-wilson-fix/
So let me get this straight. If I get elected to serve as a senator or house member in South Carolina, I can not be criminally prosecuted for crimes committed because according to the judicial branch, they do not have jurisdiction over such criminal matters when it involves the legislation?
Fuck it I am running a legislative position!!!
Only if you are one of Empress Toal’s cronies.
So Correct, what ever your name is.
Capiche, understood.
I’ll vote for the opponents of Wilson (whoever that is) and Harrell (Mary Tinkler).
Harrell paid his attorneys 100k each? Those ARE good sources.
Still, with his off-the-book income and insurance clients who are literally afraid to take their home insurance business elsewhere, Harrell is very wealthy, with money to burn. He even bought the S.C. Chief Justice. All whores.
Alan is a profiles in courage. God bless him.
Manning will be arrested by Federal Agents … they are on standby for orders.
A lower court flunkly corrupt judge making a determination if Harrell’s felony charges should be handled by the ethics commission??? This is so fucking stupid that is screams of a major panic attack by Harrell, his lawyers, and Harrell cohorts in crime. The ethics commission has NO JURISDICTION in CRIMINAL MATTERS. The court of Generals Sessions, DOES. Read the Constitution and Laws of South Carolina …. My God, these fucking idiots for Harrell are sooooooo desperate. It any judge remands this criminal case against Harrell to the ethics commission, I can assure you that the judge and all of Harrell’s cronies likely will be arrested and thrown in handcuffs by the agents with the FBI. Wilson needs to be talking to federal prosecutors about this crap. Its total insanity at its best by Harrell. Sheeshus! I can’t stop laughing. Harrell is doing stupid stuff now in his attempts to avoid going to prison.
I agree with your disbelief and outrage at the “mugging of justice” by Harrell and company.
You suggest that this is not necessarily the end of the story — that there may be another chapter.
Does Wilson have statutory or constitutional remedies, and if so, what are they specifically?
I am curious how this would or could be referred, publicly (officially) or privately (unofficially) to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, for instance, and if that entity would act upon it.
If you could quote a citation or something ordinary, non-lawyer people can read, that would help me and the masses of dispossessed citizens.
I feel like my rights have been raped.
I can see it now; federal charges pressed against Manning (or whatever SC judge that presides) for Obstruction of Justice. You do not transfer felony allegations with documented proof from the hands of a criminal prosecutor to a legislative ethics committee. Any judge does that, they end up being thrown in prison. Besides, there would likely be major protest by 1000s outside the statehouse and the SC Supreme Court. Howe and Daniels are showing piss poor judgment. All in an attempt to save their client and some in his close circle from very long prison sentences. All of this is simply ludicrous. Harrell is not worth one sticking their own neck out for unless, of course, you could go down with him. And he will go to prison – one way or another. Whether it be state criminal convictions or federal (and federal charges appear to be on the table for him and many of his partners in crime).
Yet he will be easily re elected because he has an “R” by his name.What do ypu think is more important to his constituents in his personally draw overwhelmingly Republican district,that he is “corrupt” or that his opponent isin the same party as Nancy Pelosi?
Chew on that for awhile!
The Post and Courier
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson racks up campaign finance irregularities
By Jeremy Borden
Posted: Friday, April 4, 2014 4:45 p.m.
..
This news completely erodes my faith in Wilson.
My interest in keeping him as AG has taken a swan dive.
For me, the only thing Wilson can do to redeem himself is to get Harrell indicted.
Also, Harrell went to bat for corrupt S.C. Chief Justice Jean Toal – helping her stave off a recent challenge to her rein of terror over the state’s judicial branch.
TBG is chomping at the bit to hear more about this “rein of terror!”
It’s obviously some kind of S&M thingy.
100s of Laughing SC Lawyers: It is totally at my discretion who practices law and who does not in SC. It is totally at my discretion which judge sits where and for how long. It is totally at my discretion who is investigated by my “confidential” ODC and for how long costing you tens of thousands of dollars. Bill Nettles has protected me from obstruction of justice and abuse of process charges for the past 4 years as Reggie Lloyd did for me before him. (Thank you, Nancy Wicker). So go back to practicing law with my permission until I decide you canot practice. I can suspend you with no hearing and for no reason for as long as I like, remember. Have a nice day.
How can Jean Toad suspend a lawyer that works for the DOJ? How can Jean Toad block the FBI from moving in on Manning, Harrell, Howe, Daniels, and Toad herself, with warrants for the said’s arrest? There is absolutely no way out of this one for Harrrell; Manning or not. Boob is doomed. He is a criminal. He committed felonies. The Legislature has no jurisdiction whatsoever in criminal matters where prison is the punishment for the crimes Harrell has committed. Do you not understand the separation of powers doctrine? Do you not understand that Manning himself can be arrested on federal charges if he rules that this matter does not justify a State Grand Jury investigation? Who the hell he to DECIDE. That is the responsibility of the JURY. I hope Manning does what this report above says. Because you know what? Manning will make national news and be on tv while lead away in handcuffs. Don’t think so? You will see for yourself. Harrells cronies have stepped over the line one too many times already. Next time, all of them get their nut sacks chopped off. They need to stop trying to get SLED agents to help protect Harrell. They needs to stop calling people on Wilson’s staff, attempting to get inside information. Justice will be had, I tell you. And it will never be in Harrell’s favor. You Harrell ass kissers are so easy. You all are being watched. And its funny as shit.
1. Jean Toal can suspend any lawyer with a SC license at any time for no reason at all. No hearings and no reason for as long as she pleases.
2. Toal does not have to block any FBI agents from doing anything. She can get Bill Nettles to do that for her. She owns him.
3. You are somewhat correct on some of the other stuff.
Talk about Queen Jean ownership, did you see that moron James Smith on WISTV on the Richland County Election Commission thing?
Amen. He swallowed Toal’s cock whole…
But the DOJ has been watching this case closely. Who cares what she can suspend. She sure as hell can’t suspend a federal investigation. Wake up and get a fucking clue, dipshit.
What evidence is there that there is a DOJ investigation going on?
Bill Nettles, is NOT involved. Matters like this are coming from the OUTSIDE.
Keep in mind that the Cola rumor mill also said that ol’ Johhny Reb Sugarbritches McConnell was out of the running for the CofC gig. I’m sure he was laughing his ass off reading about all of that, knowing that he had it handled. Could Harrell be squeaking through his current jam? Maybe so, but I’m not betting on it based upon rumor mill data. He also may get his ass handed to him.
Looks like McConnells ass is on a frying pan, to me.
Very true, but the word on the street, Huggy Bear, was that he was out before it started. I’m just not good atpredicting these things…
Is this all a joke or what?
Mission Statement
Judicial Watch, Inc., a conservative, non-partisan educational foundation, promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in government, politics and the law. Through its educational endeavors, Judicial Watch advocates high standards of ethics and morality in our nation’s public life and seeks to ensure that political and judicial officials do not abuse the powers entrusted to them by the American people. Judicial Watch fulfills its educational mission through litigation, investigations, and public outreach.
The motto of Judicial Watch is “Because no one is above the law”. To this end, Judicial Watch uses the open records or freedom of information laws and other tools to investigate and uncover misconduct by government officials and litigation to hold to account politicians and public officials who engage in corrupt activities.
Litigation and the civil discovery process not only uncover information for the education of the American people on anti-corruption issues, but can also provide a basis for civil authorities to criminally prosecute corrupt officials. Judicial Watch seeks to ensure high ethical standards in the judiciary through monitoring activities and the use of the judicial ethics process to hold judges to account.
Judicial Watch’s investigation, legal, and judicial activities provide the basis for strong educational outreach to the American people. Judicial Watch’s public education programs include speeches, opinion editorials (op-eds), publications, educational conferences, media outreach, radio and news television appearances, and direct radio outreach through informational commercials and public service announcements.
Through its Open Records Project, Judicial Watch also provides training and legal services to other conservatives concerning how to effectively use the Freedom of Information Act and other open records laws to achieve conservative goals of accountability and openness in government.
Through its publication The Verdict and occasional special reports, Judicial Watch educates the public about abuses and misconduct by political and judicial officials, and advocates for the need for an ethical, law abiding and moral civic culture.
Judicial Watch also pursues this educational effort through this Internet site where many of the open records documents, legal filings, and other educational materials are made available to the public and media. This educational effort, which includes direct mailings to millions of Americans, educates the public about operations of government and the judiciary and increases public awareness if corruption and misconduct exists.
*** Judicial Watch Is Watching this matter.
http://www.judicialwatch.org/
The Empress does not approve of this. You shall be dealt with swiftly and harshly.
Judicial Watch, you are obviously a group of the deaf, dumb and blind since there is no state chief justice in America who has abused her powers any more than Jean Hoefer Toal and there is no record of your group having done anything about it. Keep spitting out high and mighty statements, but the truth is in your action and there does not appear there is any action having been taken by your group. Have a nice day.
“S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson racks up campaign finance irregularities”
Alan Wilson has accepted about $75,000 in over-the-legal-limit contributions from at least 32 donors.
A Post and Courier review of Attorney General Alan Wilson’s public campaign finance disclosure reports also has found that since 2009 the attorney general has accepted at least 105 contributions worth about $88,000 that were not initially disclosed on quarterly campaign finance disclosure forms – about $20,000 more than he has previously acknowledged.
The attorney general Alan Wilson has amended campaign finance reports so many times that one critic called the number of changes “unprecedented” in modern South Carolina politics.
Campaign finance rules exist to limit the influence any one donor can have over a candidate. Further, disclosure laws allow voters to know who a candidate’s donors are and identify potential conflicts of interest before they cast their vote.
Wilson’s infractions could carry fines up to 500 times the value of an individual contribution and jail time. But violators are rarely, if ever, prosecuted.
Wilson has admitted to problems with his campaign finance filings but never fully disclosed totals. His campaign has filed dozens of amendments to the State Ethics Commission website to correct issues.
For a table of Alan Wilson’s recently disclosed contributions and over-the-limit contributors, go topostandcourier.com/wilson-contributions.
Alan Wilson’s Over-the-limit contributions
ContributorAmount over legal limitAce Cash Express$500Ashley M Hoefer$3000Augusta Fiberglass Coatings$3500Ben Harrison$1500Betty Willoughby$3500CashAmerica$4500Core-B Inc$6000Danny Smith$1500Donald Coggins$1000Football Paper LTD Co$2000Fund for American Opportunity$3500Hall & Bowers$3500J Mark Lawhon$3500JM Family Enterprises$3500John McIntosh$1000Kathryn Williams Attorney at Law$1000Kirkpatrick Morgan Jr$1500Lorillard$1500Marshall Carithers$500McKay Cauthen Settana & Stubley$1000Mitchell Willoughby$3500Palmetto Alarm$2000Randy Lowell$3500Richard J. Breibart$3500Ruan Westraad$500Select Management Resources$500Smith Medical ASD$500The Law Office of Richard J Breibart$3500Titlemax$3500Tom J. Ervin$3500USAA$3500Francie Biggs$1000TOTAL$76,500
It is intereting to note that Ashley M. Hoefer is married to John Hoefer, Jean Toal’s first cousin. John and Jean are close as they are to two who divide the family’s big sand company profits each year for their respective siblings. Mitch Willoughby is John Hoefer’s law partner.
I think this is where Bobby gets off train. Toal has no need for him now. Manning got the case because he is retiring and will not have to kiss ass in the state house to get reappointed. Wilson is more useful than Harrell. Plus she won’t have to return any favors.
In the best case scenario for Harrell he is still screwed! If manning rules it be sent to the ethics committee, Wilson will be forced to obtain a arrest warrant for Harrell and then have him indicted before the Richland County Grand Jury. Or do nothing and kiss his political aspirations away. If he allows Harrell to go free Harrell will devour him.
Bobbo hired big D Dem Gedney Howe? My, my, my, MY!
If true-the fix is definitely in.