Former Colleton County clerk of court accused of dozens of ethics violations
COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The former Colleton County clerk of court who served during the Alex Murdaugh murder trial is accused of 76 ethics violations, according to documents from the State Ethics Commission.
Becky Hill will face a hearing before the State Ethics Commission scheduled for Dec. 19, the agency confirmed.
The commission released a pair of complaints Wednesday afternoon.
One complaint alleges she provided confidential information in the form of a photograph of an inmate in a Colleton County Courthouse holding cell to promote the sale of a book and filmed a promotional segment with the Walterboro Chamber of Commerce president for her book in her office at the courthouse, documents state.
A second complaint alleges 74 ethics violations, including 71 counts of use of her official position for financial gain, two counts of use of her official position for financial gain for business with which she is associated and one count of use or disclosure of confidential information.
The count involving the disclosure of confidential information alleges she provided someone with whom she was associated a photograph of an inmate in the courthouse’s holding cell. It is not clear whether that was the same incident alleged in the other complaint or was a separate one.
The two counts of use of her official position for the financial gain of a business with which she was associated allege she authorized checks that were issued to a business with which she was associated for a total of $750.
Of the remaining 71 counts of use of official position for financial gain in the second complaint, she is accused of directing payments be made to reimburse her for the purchase of items that included meals for herself and guests, drinks, snacks, gifts for clerk of court and courtroom employees; office decor; and birthday gifts and meals for family .
She’s also accused of diverting DSS child incentive funds to give herself multiple bonus checks that total $9,880. Laura Hayes, her former deputy clerk, texted her asking about this saying “[you] don’t need to go to jail for unethical behavior.” According to the text exchange provided, Hill responded “[r]ight.... although I hear federal prison is pretty comfy.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed in January it was investigating allegations that Hill used her elected position for personal gain. It also confirmed it was investigating claims that Hill tampered with the jury during Murdaugh’s murder trial. Those claims were at the center for a request for a new murder trial, which a judge ultimately denied.
Hill announced she was reg from her position, effective immediately, back in March, but did not take questions about the investigation.
Hill began a March 25 news conference outside the Colleton County Courthouse stating she would not seek reelection. But moments later, she said her resignation was effective immediately.
“After much reflection, I have decided that it is best not to run again for reelection,” Hill said. “I will now be able to focus on being a wife, a mother and grandmother to my two grandboys. And we’ll be spending time with the people who mean the most to me. With the election. I wanted to ensure that I provided ample time for other Republican candidates who may be interested in pursuing this position.”
Hill’s attorney, Justin Bamberg, stressed on the day of the announcement that Hill made the decision for the benefit of Colleton County.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Colleton County Probate Judge Cecil Utsey IV to take charge of the office until a permanent clerk is either appointed or elected.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
