Democrats are accusing the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office of dragging its feet in its investigation into Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard’s ethics violations. Three weeks ago, Attorney General Alan Wilson appointed a four-member task force to look into allegations that Ard misled investigators looking into his misuse of campaign funds.
SC Attorney General Alan Wilson
Democrats said he’s not moving quickly enough. Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian said Friday Wilson has enough evidence already to prosecute Ard.
Wilson appeared on Greenwood affiliate WLMA Tuesday to defend his agency, “We owe it to the state and also to the integrity of this office not to politicize this,” he told the station, “What I ask… for people around South Carolina is their patience and understanding.”
Wilson, a Republican, said he was not reluctant to prosecute a fellow Republican, if necessary. “I have absolutely zero political agenda in cases where public corruption is in the air,” he said, “I have zero agenda. I have zero desire to do anything but seek justice.”
Wilson said the investigation is ongoing, although he expects to soon receive recommendations from the task force.
Democrats are calling on Ard to resign after he paid more than $60,000 in fines for improperly using campaign money for personal expenses. Ard has not commented on the investigation other than to say he would “take full responsibility” for his mistakes.
Anne Eller of Greenwood affiliate WLMA contributed to this report
