Three members of the City Council in South Carolina's third-largest city have been accused of accepting kickbacks and bribes in exchange for granting money and rezoning land, according to federal prosecutors. The charges were announced following a yearlong investigation by the FBI and state officials.
Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses, and Mike A. Brown, along with five others, are implicated in the scandal. Heyward allegedly accepted a $40,000 kickback from two nonprofit organizations to direct a portion of a $1.3 million grant towards combating gun violence in North Charleston.
Heyward and Brown were allegedly involved in a scheme with a boat manufacturer to rezone land on the Ashley River in North Charleston for commercial purposes. The councilmen reportedly accepted bribes to push for the rezoning, with intercepted calls revealing discussions about financial motives.
Moses also received money related to the rezoning but later returned it. However, he is accused of lying about his knowledge of the corrupt activities of his fellow council members.
Heyward faces charges of extortion, bribery, and wire fraud, while Brown is charged with bribery and wire fraud. Moses is charged with lying to federal investigators. Heyward and Moses are expected to plead guilty to their charges.
In response to the allegations, North Charleston officials expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of trust and integrity in public service. Mayor Reggie Burgess thanked law enforcement agencies for their efforts in ensuring transparency and accountability within the city government.
North Charleston, with a population of approximately 125,000 residents, is now grappling with the fallout of this scandal. The resignations of Heyward and Moses from the City Council mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Acting U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, Brook Andrews, described the case as a 'profound betrayal of trust,' highlighting the misuse of public office for personal gain. The city administration reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.
