S.C. State misuses funds appropriated to aid poor
S.C. State University used millions of state dollars that were intended to aid poor families to cover its budget problems, The State reported.
A report by the state inspector general released Tuesday says that the university took $6.5 million of that state money to alleviate its financial troubles. S.C. State has said it is in $13.6 million of debt and needs money to keep it operating day-to-day.
The report also said that what started out as “a harmless, but still inappropriate” borrowing of funds has turned into a loan that is not formally recognized.
University President Thomas Elzey said the university has unpaid bills dating back to October and needs the extra funds to avoid a disruption of services.
Smith to be sentenced for beating homeless man
A former Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center guard will be sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to a federal civil rights violation, The State reported.
Robin Smith, 37, pleaded guilty last year for beating a homeless inmate until he almost died. The man was classified as mentally ill and non-violent.
Smith’s family and friends believe that his actions were out of character, as he is a family man with young children. They have filed nine character letters with the court asking the judge for mercy and may speak on his behalf at the sentencing.
I.S. Leevy Johnson, who is representing Smith, asked the judge to sentence his client to no more than two years in prison. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Senate passes bill to legalize card games
The S.C. Senate unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow people to play bridge and other card games, The Associated Press reported.
Although electronic devices that encourage gambling are still banned, Sen. Tom Davis’ bill allows social groups and clubs to play games with cards and dice, such as bridge and mahjong.
Currently, the state has a law dating back to 1802 that makes gambling illegal and bans such games. Past efforts to legalize card games have been outvoted due to fears of widespread gamblign re-emerging.
Oran Smith, representing the Palmetto Family Council, said he doesn’t believe that the new bill would “usher in any unintended consequences.”
The bill will head to the House after an upcoming perfunctory vote in the Senate.