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Operation Lost Trust

{{Short description|FBI investigation into the South Carolina General Assembly}}

File:South Carolina State House.JPG

Operation Lost Trust was the name of an FBI investigation into the South Carolina General Assembly from 1989 to 1999. By the end of the investigation, seventeen members of the South Carolina General Assembly were arrested for bribery, extortion, or drug use. Operation Lost Trust is often considered the greatest political scandal in the history of the state of South Carolina. It directly influenced the passing of South Carolina's Ethics Reform Act of 1991, and led to the restructuring of the state government in 1993. In its wake, the once-dominant South Carolina Democratic Party was weakened as a political party, and the Republican Party emerged as a viable political entity in the state.

Investigation

In 1989, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating the South Carolina General Assembly after the narcotics arrest of Ron L. Cobb, a lobbyist and former Democratic{{Cite web |title=Former Representative Ron L. Cobb |url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.new.php?code=0368181774&session=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231029090117/https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.new.php?code=0368181774&session=0 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=29 October 2023 |website=South Carolina Legislature Online}} member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. The FBI supplied Cobb with a boat located in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and an office in Atlanta for the purposes of misleading state lawmakers into believing that he represented the Alpha Group, a fake organization seeking support for a bill legalizing dog and horse-track betting. Cobb was instructed to bribe lawmakers with campaign contributions in return for their support for the bill.{{Cite web|url=http://www.statehousereport.com/2016/12/16/history-operation-lost-trust-2/|title=Statehouse Report – HISTORY: Operation Lost Trust|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-31|archive-date=2019-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531171508/http://www.statehousereport.com/2016/12/16/history-operation-lost-trust-2/|url-status=live}}

In July 1990, a grand jury subpoenaed the campaign finance records of all 170 members of the General Assembly, consequently revealing the existence of the investigation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/25/us/5-south-carolina-lawmakers-indicted-in-corruption-inquiry.html|title=5 South Carolina Lawmakers Indicted in Corruption Inquiry|last=Smothers|first=Ronald|date=1990-08-25|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-05-31|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2019-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531171507/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/25/us/5-south-carolina-lawmakers-indicted-in-corruption-inquiry.html|url-status=live}} The investigators were looking for self-reported disclosures of the in-total $30,000 that investigators doled out to tempt lawmakers during the election season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/lost-trust-shook-state-years-ago/article_92d416f5-eab6-5e84-b3f1-d73105187928.html|title=Lost Trust shook state 20 years ago|last=Kropf|first=Schuyler|website=Post and Courier|date=4 July 2010 |language=en|access-date=2019-05-31|archive-date=2019-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531231203/https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/lost-trust-shook-state-years-ago/article_92d416f5-eab6-5e84-b3f1-d73105187928.html|url-status=live}} Five legislators, including State Representative Robert A. Kohn (R), were initially indicted for failure to disclose the payments and violating the Hobbs Act. Kohn later agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. While the four indicted members of the General Assembly in the House of Representatives were suspended from official duties, the lone senator, William Richard Lee (R), was able to continue his work in the South Carolina Senate.

Those convicted included:{{Cite web |title=Operation Lost Trust |url=https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/operation-lost-trust/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015030615/http://www.scencyclopedia.org/ |archive-date=15 October 2016 |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=South Carolina Encyclopedia |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/operation-lost-trust/|title=Operation Lost Trust|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727235015/https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/operation-lost-trust/|url-status=live}}

  1. Jack Rogers (D) — State Representative and Speaker Pro Temp from the 54th District; was accused of extorting money from lobbyists. He pled guilty to a charge of racketeering, and was sentenced to 45 months in prison. (1991){{cite news | work = The New York Times | date = January 5, 1991 | title = 2 More Indictments Charge Corruption In South Carolina | author = AP | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/05/us/2-more-indictments-charge-corruption-in-south-carolina.html%202%20More%20Indictments%20Charge%20Corruption%20In%20South%20Carolina | access-date = April 23, 2021 | archive-date = April 23, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180514/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/05/us/2-more-indictments-charge-corruption-in-south-carolina.html%202%20More%20Indictments%20Charge%20Corruption%20In%20South%20Carolina | url-status = live }}{{cite news | publisher = scribd.com | date = September 29, 1992 | title = United States v. John I. Rogers, III, 976 F.2d 728, 4th Cir. (1992) | author = United States Court of Appeals, Fourth District | url = https://www.scribd.com/document/321553484/United-States-v-John-I-Rogers-III-976-F-2d-728-4th-Cir-1992 | access-date = April 23, 2021 | archive-date = February 24, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231925/https://www.scribd.com/document/321553484/United-States-v-John-I-Rogers-III-976-F-2d-728-4th-Cir-1992 | url-status = live }}
  2. Kenneth E. Bailey Sr. (D) — State Representative of Eutawville; accepted a $500 cash bribe, and was convicted of conspiracy.{{Cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/990/119/434018/|title=United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Kenneth e. Bailey, Defendant-appellant, 990 F.2d 119 (4th Cir. 1993)|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180516/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/990/119/434018/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess108_1989-1990/hj89/19881206.htm|title=HOUSE JOURNAL for Dec. 6, 1988 - South Carolina Legislature Online|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2020-10-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007014813/https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess108_1989-1990/hj89/19881206.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal |last1=Jurist |first1=Open |last2=Circuit |first2=Fourth |date=December 1992 |title=990 F2d 119 United States v. E Bailey |url=http://openjurist.org/990/f2d/119/united-states-v-e-bailey |url-status=live |journal=Federal Reporter |series=Second Series |volume= |issue=990 |page=119 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130201224/https://openjurist.org/990/f2d/119/united-states-v-e-bailey |archive-date=2022-01-30 |access-date=2021-04-23}}
  3. Larry Blanding (D) — State Representative from Sumter. After several trials and reversals, Blanding was found guilty of conspiracy and extortion, and sentenced to 37 months.{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-taylor-dsc-1999|title=U.S. v. Taylor, 956 F. Supp. 622 | Casetext Search + Citator|website=casetext.com|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180514/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-taylor-dsc-1999|url-status=live}}United States v. Derrick, 163 F.3d 799 (4th Cir. 1998)
  4. Robert B. Brown (D) — State Representative from Charleston; pled guilty to bribery.{{Cite web |date=10 September 1990 |title=Former S.C. State Senator Pleads Guilty In Bribery Case |url=https://apnews.com/article/e264837e3c41d29e381293baed89e370 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180526/https://apnews.com/article/e264837e3c41d29e381293baed89e370 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Julia |first=M. Klein |date=9 September 1990 |title=Bribery Allegations Rock S.c. Legislature |url=http://articles.philly.com/1990-09-09/news/25879936_1_public-corruption-operation-lost-trust-pleasure |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225191132/http://articles.philly.com/1990-09-09/news/25879936_1_public-corruption-operation-lost-trust-pleasure |archive-date=25 December 2015 |access-date=23 June 2023 |website=philly.com}}
  5. Paul Wayne Derrick (R) — State Representative of Lexington; was found guilty of conspiracy and extortion for accepting $1,000 in bribes. He was sentenced to 34 months.[https://www.goupstate.com S.C. STING Derrick found guilty The State] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601093159/https://www.goupstate.com/|date=2019-06-01}}, May 12, 1991, | [https://www.goupstate.com/news/19910512/sc-sting-derrick-found-guilty-the-state] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180529/https://www.goupstate.com/news/19910512/sc-sting-derrick-found-guilty-the-state|date=2021-04-23}}{{Cite web |date=3 February 1994 |title=United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Paul Wayne Derrick, Defendant-appellant, 16 F.3d 412 (4th Cir. 1994) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/16/412/491499/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118164546/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/16/412/491499/ |archive-date=18 November 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}
  6. Ennis M. Fant (D) — State Representative from Greenville; pled guilty to conspiracy and extortion, received 20 months.{{Cite web |title=FILE PHOTO Ennis Fant ...a Baptist minister Fant gets 20 months for conspiracy |url=https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/1991/08/01/file-photo-ennis-fant-a-baptist-minister-fant-gets-20-months-for-conspiracy/29537540007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602202929/http://www.goupstate.com/news/19910801/file-photo-ennis-fant-a-baptist-minister-fant-gets-20-months-for-conspiracy?start=2 |archive-date=2 June 2017 |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Spartanburg Herald Journal |language=en-US}}
  7. James Faber (D) — State Representative from Richland County; pled guilty to accepting a 41,000 bribe.{{Cite web |last=WILSON |first=JILL |date=March 1, 1991 |title=Two Ex-S.C. Legislators Plead Guilty To Accepting Bribes In FBI Sting |url=https://apnews.com/article/c79e8deed98eda713e628181b690ac6f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180516/https://apnews.com/article/c79e8deed98eda713e628181b690ac6f |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1980&dat=19910301&id=ooUiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xKkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5022,5601&hl=en|title=The Item - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180515/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1980&dat=19910301&id=ooUiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xKkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5022,5601&hl=en|url-status=live}}
  8. James C. Tee Ferguson (D) — State Representative and Circuit Judge of Spartanburg; guilty of extortion and drug charges, and sentenced to 33 months.{{Cite news |date=11 August 1992 |title=Ex-Judge Is Sentenced For Bribery and Drugs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/11/us/ex-judge-is-sentenced-for-bribery-and-drugs.html |url-status=live |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118165110/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/11/us/ex-judge-is-sentenced-for-bribery-and-drugs.html |archive-date=18 November 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web|url=http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/4/986/525817/|title=United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. James C. Ferguson, A/K/A Tee, Defendant-appellant.united States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. James C. Ferguson, A/K/A Tee, Defendant-appellant, 4 F.3d 986 (4th Cir. 1993)|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2017-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608044346/http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/4/986/525817/|url-status=live}}
  9. Benjamin J. Gordon Jr. (D) — State Representative of Kingstree; found guilty of conspiracy and extortion, but died during appeal.{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-derrick|title=U.S. V. Derrick, 163 F.3d 799 | Casetext Search + Citator|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423182019/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-derrick|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=13 March 1997 |title=1997–98 Bill 3656: The Honorable Benjamin J. Gordon, Jr., Resolutions — South Carolina Legislature Online |url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess112_1997-1998/bills/3656.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118170043/https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess112_1997-1998/bills/3656.htm |archive-date=18 November 2023 |access-date=23 June 2023 |website=www.scstatehouse.gov}}{{Cite journal|url=https://openjurist.org/990/f2d/119/united-states-v-e-bailey|title=990 F2d 119 United States v. E Bailey|first1=United States Court of|last1=Appeals|first2=Fourth|last2=Circuit|date=December 1, 1992|volume=F2d|issue=990|pages=119|via=openjurist.org|access-date=June 22, 2023|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130201224/https://openjurist.org/990/f2d/119/united-states-v-e-bailey|url-status=live}}
  10. Robert Albert Kohn (R) — State Senator from Charleston; pled guilty to conspiracy and bribery, and served seven months in prison.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-23 |title=From the archives: Ron Cobb five years after Lost Trust {{!}} The State |url=https://www.thestate.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/cindi-ross-scoppe/article102026962.html |access-date=2023-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180516/https://www.thestate.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/cindi-ross-scoppe/article102026962.html |archive-date=2021-04-23 }}
  11. Rick Lee (R) — State Senator from Boiling Springs; pled guilty to accepting a $2,000 bribe. He was sentenced to six months at a halfway house.{{Cite web|url = https://apnews.com/e264837e3c41d29e381293baed89e370|title = Former S.C. State Senator Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case|website = Associated Press|access-date = 2021-04-23|archive-date = 2021-04-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180526/https://apnews.com/e264837e3c41d29e381293baed89e370|url-status = live}}{{cite news | website=www.goupstate.com | date=Aug 25, 1990 | title=Indictment charges Lee with taking $2,000 bribe | agency=Associated Press | url=https://www.goupstate.com/news/19900825/indictment-charges-lee-with-taking-2000-bribe | access-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180520/https://www.goupstate.com/news/19900825/indictment-charges-lee-with-taking-2000-bribe | url-status=live }}
  12. Thomas Limehouse (D) — State Representative from Dorchester; pled guilty to charges of conspiring to accept a bribe and tampering with a witness. Sentenced to 20 months.{{cite news | website=www.apnews.com | date=December 7, 1990 | title=Former State Lawmaker Pleads Guilty in Statehouse Scandal | author=BRUCE SMITH | agency=Associated Press | url=https://www.apnews.com/6e9c689fbd5ac5bd3a29975a32f1cc0c | access-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180517/https://apnews.com/6e9c689fbd5ac5bd3a29975a32f1cc0c | url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1980&dat=19930406&id=HVQvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xdoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3624,1390185&hl=en|title=The Item - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180527/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1980&dat=19930406&id=HVQvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xdoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3624,1390185&hl=en|url-status=live}}
  13. John Charles “Jack” Lindsay (D) — State Senator from Marlboro; found guilty in the Lost Trust investigation, but died during appeals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/6e9c689fbd5ac5bd3a29975a32f1cc0c|title=Former State Lawmaker Pleads Guilty in Statehouse Scandal|website=Associated Press|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180517/https://apnews.com/6e9c689fbd5ac5bd3a29975a32f1cc0c|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=1991-92 Bill 518: Lindsay, Senator John C. "Jack" - South Carolina Legislature Online |url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess109_1991-1992/bills/518.htm |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=www.scstatehouse.gov}}
  14. Jefferson Marion Long Jr. (D) — State Senator from Horry; guilty to $42,000 bribe.Ex-Sen. Long, Lost Trust Figure, Dies, The Post and Courier, Apr. 28, 2003.{{cite news|website=www.goupstate.com | title=Ex-state senator involved in Operation Lost Trust dies |agency=Associated Press | date=Apr 28, 2003 | url=http://www.goupstate.com/news/20030428/ex-state-senator-involved-in-operation-lost-trust-dies}}
  15. Frank McBride (D) — State Representative from Columbia; pled guilty to accepting $1000 in bribes.{{cite news | website=www.apnews.com | date=March 1, 1991 | title=Two Ex-S.C. Legislators Plead Guilty To Accepting Bribes In FBI Sting | author=JILL WILSON | url=https://www.apnews.com/c79e8deed98eda713e628181b690ac6f | access-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180516/https://apnews.com/c79e8deed98eda713e628181b690ac6f | url-status=live }}
  16. Luther L Taylor, Jr. (D) — State Representative from Columbia; pled guilty to conspiracy and bribery, and was sentenced to 80 months in prison, but died during appeals.{{cite news | newspaper=New York Times | date=October 26, 1990 | title=State Lawmaker Found Guilty in a South Carolina Bribery Case | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/26/us/state-lawmaker-is-found-guilty-in-a-south-carolina-bribery-case.html | access-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-date=April 24, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424061439/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/26/us/state-lawmaker-is-found-guilty-in-a-south-carolina-bribery-case.html | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Inquirer.com: Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes |url=https://www.inquirer.com/archives/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002205/http://articles.philly.com/1987-07-02/entertainment/26200183_1_dragnet-lovely-movie-star |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=inquirer}}
  17. Daniel E. Winstead (R) — State Representative from Charleston; pled guilty to accepting bribes and obstruction of justice.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goupstate.com/news/19900831/lawmakers-5-make-pleas-released-on-bonds|title=LAWMAKERS 5 make pleas, released on bonds|access-date=2021-04-23|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180516/https://www.goupstate.com/news/19900831/lawmakers-5-make-pleas-released-on-bonds|url-status=live}}

At that time, South Carolina required that state lawmakers report any campaign contributions they received to the respective ethics committee of their governing body. After the initial five indictments made the news, Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr. (R) and Speaker of the House Robert Sheheen (D) both stated that reforms to this system were in order. Out of the 28 indictments in total (including indicted lobbyists), only the indictment of Representative Timothy Castles Wilkes (D){{Cite news |date=23 May 1991 |title=Five Men Indicted in S.C. Statehouse Investigation |work=Greensboro News & Record |url=https://greensboro.com/five-men-indicted-in-s-c-statehouse-investigation/article_b0f82ba8-f17d-5ef5-88d4-bfba57d8dbf0.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231030105109/https://greensboro.com/five-men-indicted-in-s-c-statehouse-investigation/article_b0f82ba8-f17d-5ef5-88d4-bfba57d8dbf0.html |archive-date=30 October 2023}} resulted in a not guilty verdict.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abccolumbia.com/2014/11/21/operation-lost-trust-the-tim-wilkes-story/|title=Operation Lost Trust: The Tim Wilkes Story|date=2014-11-21|website=ABC Columbia|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-31|archive-date=2019-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531171506/https://www.abccolumbia.com/2014/11/21/operation-lost-trust-the-tim-wilkes-story/|url-status=live}} The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus raised concerns about the large number of African American lawmakers charged during the investigation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goupstate.com/article/19910223/News/605191726|title='LOST TRUST' Fant pleads guilty|website=GoUpstate|language=en|access-date=2019-05-31}}

Aftermath

= Ethics Reform Act of 1991 =

In response to Operation Lost Trust, state lawmakers passed the Ethics Reform Act of 1991. This act made it illegal for lobbyists to give any gift, including campaign contributions, to any serving member of the government. It also capped donations from lobbying firms (lobbyists themselves had to be uninvolved in the decision) to $1,000 when it was previously unlimited. The act also regulated how businesses and organizations which employ lobbyists could entertain lawmakers, ensuring that the entertainment was conducted only in formal groups.{{Cite web |last=Cindi |first=Ross Scoppe |title=What Operation Lost Trust meant to South Carolina |url=https://www.thestate.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/cindi-ross-scoppe/article81437732.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531205521/https://www.thestate.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/cindi-ross-scoppe/article81437732.html |archive-date=2019-05-31 |access-date=2019-05-31 |website=thestate |language=en}}

= Strengthening the governorship =

On February 23, 1993, a bill was introduced to the South Carolina House of Representatives to restructure the state government.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3546&session=110&summary=B|title=South Carolina Legislature Online - Bill Search by Bill Number|website=www.scstatehouse.gov|access-date=2019-06-01|archive-date=2019-06-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604101222/https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3546&session=110&summary=B|url-status=live}} Up to this point, the governor of South Carolina had largely been a ceremonial figurehead with limited power. However, after Operation Lost Trust, the General Assembly voted to give the governor what was essentially a "third" of its power.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/special-reports/state-125/article57020613.html|title=Scoppe: 1993 restructuring law gave SC governors their first hint of authority|website=thestate|language=en|access-date=2019-05-31|archive-date=2019-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531205522/https://www.thestate.com/news/special-reports/state-125/article57020613.html|url-status=live}} According to The State, the main newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina, “the legislation condensed 75 agencies into 17, and let the governor hire and fire the directors of 11.” The legislature maintained its power over education, road construction, and environmental regulations, while giving the governor power over agencies that imprisoned people, managed healthcare, and collected taxes for the state. South Carolina is still considered a “legislative state,” with the General Assembly maintaining a large proportion of power over the governor’s appointments, as well as the ability to appoint judges.{{Cite web|url=https://scpolicycouncil.org/research/the-legislative-state-how-the-general-assembly-controls-south-carolinas-government|title=The "Legislative State:" How the General Assembly Controls South Carolina's Government|date=2017-10-25|website=The South Carolina Policy Council|language=en|access-date=2019-06-01|archive-date=2019-06-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601214858/https://scpolicycouncil.org/research/the-legislative-state-how-the-general-assembly-controls-south-carolinas-government|url-status=live}}

See also

External links

[https://cdm16817.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16817coll21/id/9752 Image, FBI Agents involved in Operation Lost Trust, 1990]

References

{{Reflist}}{{Cite web |date=23 November 1998 |title=U.S. v. Derrick, 163 F.3d 799 (4th Cir. 1998) |url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-derrick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118163317/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-derrick |archive-date=18 November 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=Casetext}}

Category:Federal Bureau of Investigation operations

Category:Political scandals in South Carolina

Category:History of South Carolina