News Summary
Top law enforcement officials in Beaufort County express frustration with the county administration’s handling of significant investigations, particularly concerning a former employee of the Probate Court and alleged misconduct in the Bluffton Township Fire District. County leaders urge earlier involvement of law enforcement to enhance accountability and transparency. Continued ethical challenges and the establishment of a Public Integrity Unit aim to address concerns and improve cooperation between law enforcement and county officials as they navigate unresolved cases.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The top law enforcement leaders in Beaufort County are expressing serious concerns regarding the county administration’s handling of ongoing investigations. This frustration was highlighted amidst two significant inquiries being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), focusing on a former employee of Beaufort County’s Probate Court and alleged misconduct involving the Bluffton Township Fire District.
The investigations, which include allegations of unauthorized practice of law and embezzlement, were initiated when the Solicitor’s office referred the cases to SLED in March. Sheriff P.J. Tanner and Solicitor Duffie Stone have made it clear that they believe the county administration, particularly the legal department led by County Attorney Brian Hulbert, should have engaged law enforcement much earlier in the process rather than relying on internal investigations.
Stone has voiced concerns over the validity of internal reviews, urging that the public deserves independent investigations to ensure accountability and transparency in handling ethical violations or criminal activities. There are ongoing challenges for the county administration, which has faced multiple ethical complaints in the past and is making efforts to rebuild public trust.
Both Tanner and Stone have pointed out that delays in notifying law enforcement by the county’s legal department have hindered potential criminal investigations. Tanner has specifically criticized the preference for internal reviews over immediate law enforcement involvement, emphasizing the necessity for investigations to be managed by credible, independent professionals to protect individual rights and uphold effective governance.
The county administration, represented by Hulbert and County Administrator Michael Moore, has defended its approach. They argue that it is the county’s responsibility to carefully evaluate complaints and determine if law enforcement intervention is necessary. They maintain that upon receiving complaints, investigations were promptly undertaken, and relevant findings were communicated to the Probate Judge for further action.
A significant point of contention has emerged regarding the nature of the county’s internal reports. An internal report compiled by Hulbert was shared with the Probate Judge and County Administrator but not disclosed to law enforcement, raising questions about transparency and the integrity of the investigative process. The legal distinctions between law enforcement investigations, which require Miranda warnings, and county internal investigations, governed by Garrity warnings, could impact how witnesses are treated and how information is handled.
Tanner has noted a longstanding pattern of resistance from the legal department that has complicated interactions with law enforcement and thereby affected cooperation in investigations. This has been exacerbated by historical inconsistencies in cooperation from previous county administrations. Moore acknowledges the challenges posed by significant turnover within the County Attorney position and how these have influenced operational dynamics.
As part of addressing these issues, a new collaboration has been established by Solicitor Stone in the form of a Public Integrity Unit. This initiative, which includes senior attorneys and investigators, aims to enhance oversight of public corruption matters and ensure appropriate checks on government operations.
Looking ahead, Moore has expressed a commitment to involving law enforcement earlier in any investigations where doubts regarding further internal review arise. The cases concerning former Bluffton Township Fire District Chief Paul Boulware and related individuals remain unresolved, and the county is under pressure to find cooperative pathways forward.
Judge Heather Galvin has underscored the critical need for improved coordination between the county administration and law enforcement to facilitate transparency and effective resolutions to investigations. Both law enforcement leaders and county officials continue to navigate the complexities of these investigations, and the resolution process will be closely monitored by the public as trust in local government systems hangs in the balance.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Investigations
- Google Search: Beaufort County Investigations
- Post and Courier: SLED Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort County
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office
