Federal prosecutors announced charges on Wednesday against three members of the City Council in North Charleston, South Carolina for accepting kickbacks and bribes. Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses, and Mike A. Brown were accused of taking illicit payments in exchange for grant allocations and rezoning decisions. The charges stemmed from a yearlong investigation conducted by the FBI and state officials.
Heyward allegedly accepted a $40,000 kickback from nonprofit organizations in return for influencing the distribution of a $1.3 million grant to combat gun violence. Brown and Heyward were also involved in a scheme to rezone land on the Ashley River, with the intent to sell it to a boat manufacturer. The councilmen accepted bribes in connection with the rezoning proposal, but the plan was eventually rejected.
Moses also received money in relation to the rezoning but returned it. However, he lied about his involvement and knowledge of his colleagues’ corrupt actions, according to court documents. Heyward faces charges of extortion, bribery, and wire fraud, while Brown and Moses are charged with bribery, wire fraud, and lying to federal investigators.
Heyward and Moses have announced their intention to plead guilty to the charges. The mayor of North Charleston, Reggie Burgess, expressed gratitude to law enforcement officials for ensuring the city’s residents could have confidence in the government. The city officials emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability in light of the scandal. The case highlights a breach of trust by elected officials who were supposed to serve the community but instead sought personal gain.
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