SC panel says Gov. Sanford should face ethics accusations tied to probe into travel, finances

SC panel says governor should face ethics charges

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina ethics panel said Wednesday that Gov. Mark Sanford should face charges he violated state laws tied to a three-month investigation into his travel and campaign finances.

The State Ethics Commission decision did not provide details of its decision or the specific charges Sanford would face during a hearing of the panel early next year. Officials said those details — which should include whether the accusations involve civil or criminal allegations — will be released next week.

The commission “found probable cause exists on several allegations. They wanted me to point out that a finding of probable cause is not a finding of guilt. It is only one phase in the process,” said Herb Hayden, the commission’s executive director, after a daylong, closed-door meeting of the panel.

Sanford lawyer Butch Bowers did not immediately comment on the outcome.

Questions about Sanford’s use of state, private and commercial planes arose after he disappeared from the state in June and said he had been in Argentina visiting his mistress.

Associated Press investigations found Sanford violated bans on using state planes for personal and political purposes and sitting in pricey commercial seats. The AP also found he failed to properly report travel on planes owned by friends and donors.

The State of Columbia newspaper also reported questionable personal reimbursements to the governor from his campaign account.