COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina officials have filed 76 counts of ethics violations against the court clerk who handled the Alex Murdaugh murder trial.
The 25 pages of allegations accuse former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill of allowing a photo of Murdaugh in a holding cell to be taken to promote her book on the trial, giving herself bonuses, and using county money to buy dozens of lunches for her staff, prosecutors and a vendor.
Hill also struck a deal with a documentary maker to use the county courtroom in exchange for promoting her book on the trial, which later she admitted had plagiarized passages, according to the South Carolina Ethics Commission complaint earlier this month.
The commission will hold a hearing similar to a trial in December on the accusations unless Hill and her lawyer settle the case before then. Hill could have to reimburse the expenses and face thousands of dollars or more in fines. And if the commission thinks she broke any laws, they can forward the information to prosecutors.
A criminal investigation into whether Hill tampered with the Murdaugh jury or misused her office continues, the State Law Enforcement Division said Thursday.
Hill resigned in March during the last year of her four year term, citing the public scrutiny of Murdaugh’s trial and wanting to spend time with her grandchildren. She hasn’t publicly addressed the ethics allegations and her lawyer didn’t return a message Thursday.
Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and younger son after a six-week trial in Colleton County last year. The case involved power, danger, money and privilege and an attorney whose family lorded over his small South Carolina county for nearly a century.
Murdaugh is appealing his conviction and life without parole sentence in part accusing Hill of trying to influence jurors to vote guilty and being biased against Murdaugh for her book. Murdaugh is also serving decades in prison for admitting to stealing millions of dollars from settlements for clients who suffered horrible injuries or deaths and from his family’s law firm.
An initial appeal was denied, but the judge said she wasn’t sure Hill told the truth about her dealings with jurors and was “attracted by the siren call of celebrity.”
The ethics allegations against Hill say she bought lunches for prosecutors and then paid herself back with county money. One count said she spent $543.89 for food and alcohol for a going away lunch for an employee in a local prosecutor’s office.
None of the allegations mention spending for public defenders or defense attorneys.
Hill gave herself nearly $10,000 in bonuses from federal money that is meant to improve child support collection but has few rules on how it is spent, according to the complaint.
The former clerk used public money to buy meals for her staff, her family, judges, court employees and others 36 times. She reimbursed herself for gifts bought for jurors and her staff on Valentine’s Day and for her employees on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter, the complaint said.
Expenses included $481 for a 50th birthday party for a staffer and dog food, bones and a pet bed for another, ethics officials said.
In all, Hill is accused of spending nearly $20,000 in county money in ways she shouldn’t, according to the complaint.
An ethics complaint has been filed against the Clerk of Court in the high-profile Murdaugh trial for allegedly engaging in excessive spending on bonuses, meals, and gifts. The complaint, which was filed by a concerned citizen, raises questions about the ethical conduct of the Clerk and calls for an investigation into the matter.
The Clerk of Court plays a crucial role in the administration of justice, responsible for maintaining court records, managing case files, and ensuring the smooth operation of the judicial system. As a public official, the Clerk is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency in their duties.
According to the ethics complaint, the Clerk in the Murdaugh trial has been accused of using public funds for personal gain, including awarding excessive bonuses to staff members, hosting lavish meals and events, and purchasing expensive gifts. These allegations raise serious concerns about potential misuse of taxpayer dollars and conflicts of interest within the court system.
Excessive spending on bonuses, meals, and gifts not only raises ethical red flags but also undermines public trust in the judicial system. It is essential for public officials to act with honesty and integrity, avoiding even the appearance of impropriety in their actions.
The ethics complaint filed against the Clerk in the Murdaugh trial highlights the importance of accountability and oversight in government institutions. It is crucial for citizens to speak out against unethical behavior and demand transparency from those in positions of power.
As the investigation into the ethics complaint unfolds, it will be important for authorities to thoroughly examine the allegations and take appropriate action to address any wrongdoing. Upholding ethical standards in the administration of justice is essential for maintaining public confidence in the legal system.
In conclusion, the ethics complaint filed against the Clerk in the Murdaugh trial serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in public service. It is imperative for public officials to act with integrity and transparency, putting the interests of the community above personal gain. By holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions, we can ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially.
