News Summary
In a shocking development, three North Charleston city council members face federal corruption charges including bribery and extortion, following a yearlong investigation. Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses, and Mike A. Brown are among those accused, highlighting a severe breach of public trust. The investigation stems from the misuse of violence reduction grants, totaling $1.3 million, with connections to several other individuals. Mayor Reggie Burgess has reassured citizens about the government’s cooperation in the ongoing inquiry, as the scandal raises serious questions about local governance and accountability.
North Charleston Councilmembers Hit with Federal Corruption Charges
North Charleston is currently buzzing with shocking news as three of its city council members face serious federal corruption charges, including bribery, kickbacks, extortion, and money laundering. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, alongside the FBI, has announced these serious charges after an extensive yearlong investigation. The charges have become the talk of the town, prompting discussions about public trust and the integrity of local governance.
The Accused Councilmembers
Jerome Heyward, representing District 5, is in hot water with a staggering 14 counts against him. This includes serious allegations such as bribery, attempted extortion, wire fraud, and money laundering. The investigation has revealed that he allegedly accepted a whopping $40,000 kickback in a trade-off that redirected $1.3 million in city grants intended for violence reduction to two specific nonprofits. These nonprofits were identified as Core4Success and DEEP SC.
Then there’s Sandino Moses from District 3, who has been charged with misprision of a felony. This means he failed to report potential bribery attempts, although he did return the cash involved. As if that wasn’t enough, Mike A. Brown from District 1 also finds himself facing three counts, which include conspiracy to commit bribery. Allegedly, Brown sought cash to help fund his son’s wedding expenses—a deeply concerning move considering the ongoing investigations.
Associates in the Crosshairs
The scandal doesn’t stop there. Four other individuals linked to the accused members have also been charged, including Donavan Moten, Hason “Tory” Fields, Aaron Hicks, Rose Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton. Reports indicate that Hason Fields and Aaron Hicks were pivotal in a bribery scheme tied to the rezoning of the former Baker Hospital site for a proposed boat manufacturing plant. The gravity of this situation is highlighted by allegations that Hicks directly made cash payments to both Heyward and Brown to gain their support for the rezoning application.
How It All Started
The investigation was ignited due to complaints about the handling of violence reduction grants, totaling an alarming $1.3 million. Federal investigators utilized a combination of wiretaps, financial records, and accounts from cooperating witnesses to piece together this complex web of corruption. In fact, it all began when a local businessman reported that Heyward had attempted to extort him for $100,000 in consulting fees—an act apparently aimed at guiding changes that would benefit the businessman’s interests.
A Culture of Corruption?
This unfolding saga paints a troubling picture of what some are calling a pervasive culture of corruption in North Charleston, where the notion of “pay to play” seems to have infiltrated business dealings. All accused councilmembers appear to be wrapped up in schemes that promise personal gain while trampling over community interests and the public’s trust.
What’s Next?
As this situation develops, it’s noteworthy that the Mayor of North Charleston, Reggie Burgess, has reassured residents about the city’s full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, focusing on transparency and accountability. As the dust settles, both Heyward and Moses have resigned from their positions on the city council, further underscoring the gravity of their actions.
Possible Penalties and Future Developments
The federal plea hearing for the charged individuals is on the calendar, with potential sentences reaching up to 20 years in prison for the crimes they face. The investigation remains open, and federal authorities have hinted that additional charges could be on the horizon, making it clear that this story is far from over. Residents of North Charleston are left looking for answers as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding their city officials.
For the community, this scandal is more than just a series of accusations; it raises difficult questions about governance, integrity, and the future of North Charleston. As these events unfold, many locals will be keeping a close eye on the actions of law enforcement and a government that they entrust to represent their best interests.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Corruption
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: North Charleston corruption
- Count On 2 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Fits News
- Google News: North Charleston corruption charges
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Corruption in government
- WACH
