State Grand Jury Indicts Ken Ard on Seven Violations of State Ethics Act

Columbia – Attorney General Alan Wilson today announced that the South Carolina State Grand Jury has indicted former Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard on seven (7) counts of violating the State Ethics Act:

“As a result of a comprehensive investigation that began last July when this office requested this case from the State Ethics Commission, the State Grand Jury, acting pursuant to its public corruption authority, returned, today, an indictment charging James Kenneth Ard with seven counts of violating the State Ethics Act.”

‘In summary, the State Grand Jury charges Mr. Ard with a scheme, developed as part of his candidacy for Lt. Governor, to create the false appearance of a groundswell of political support through fictitious or bogus campaign contributions.  These donations to Mr. Ard’s campaign were not a genuine demonstration of financial support.  Instead, they represented cash in the amount of $75,000 which was funneled from Mr. Ard to others and ultimately back to his campaign as purported contributions from citizens in the community.”

“The State Grand Jury also charges that phantom contributions in the amount of approximately $87,500 were a part of Mr. Ard’s scheme.  Such contributions were either not made at all by the person listed or were not made in the amount reported.”

“The funneled, as well as the phantom contributions, were certified to the State Ethics Commission and reported to the public at large as true and correct. They were not true and correct. Campaign transparency was in reality campaign deceit.”

“Mr. Ard is charged with four counts of unlawful reimbursement of campaign contributions; two counts of falsely filing campaign reports; and one count encompassing multiple acts of personal use of campaign funds.  The State Grand Jury charges invoke Sections 8-13-1344(D), 8-13-1308 and 8-13-1438 of the State Ethics Act.  All seven counts are punishable pursuant to Section 8-13-1520 and constitute misdemeanor offenses. Upon conviction, each offense carries a penalty of up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison.”

“An indictment is, of course, a probable cause determination that crimes have occurred.  Like any other citizen charged with a crime, Mr. Ard is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

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Attorney General Wilson’s full statement: 3.9.12 Ard Statement

State Grand Jury Indictment: 3.9.12 Ard Indictment

Report of the State Grand Jury: 3.9.12 Ard Grand Jury Report

Venue Order: 3.9.12 Ard Venue

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