The race for South Carolina’s attorney general is intensifying as Creighton Waters, the lead prosecutor in the high-profile Alex Murdaugh case, publicly criticized candidate David Pascoe. Waters, who heads the state’s grand jury, took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with Pascoe’s handling of ‘ProbeGate,’ a major investigation into corruption at the S.C. State House.
Background on ‘ProbeGate’
‘ProbeGate’ is a criminal investigation into influence peddling involving South Carolina legislators and other officials. Waters, who had considered running for attorney general himself, claimed that he and current attorney general Alan Wilson were instrumental in keeping the investigation alive. He pointed to a 2014 S.C. supreme court hearing as a pivotal moment in their efforts.
Waters accused Pascoe of mishandling the case, suggesting that Pascoe failed to fully capitalize on the groundwork laid by Waters and Wilson. Although Waters did not name Pascoe directly, sources confirmed that his comments were aimed at Pascoe’s management of the case.
Pascoe’s Response
David Pascoe, who initially oversaw the ‘ProbeGate’ cases and secured several guilty pleas, defended his record. He argued that his efforts were hampered by legal disputes over prosecutorial powers, which led to the transfer of remaining cases to another solicitor. Pascoe emphasized that he had to fight the attorney general’s office to pursue justice and remove corrupt politicians from office.
Pascoe also criticized Waters for omitting key details, such as the reluctance of other solicitors to take on the case, which they described as a ‘hornet’s nest.’ He promised to end the protection of corrupt politicians and the misuse of no-bid contracts if elected.
Political Implications
As the June 9 primary approaches, the race for the Republican nomination is tight, with Pascoe and state senator Stephen Goldfinch leading the polls, and David Stumbo gaining ground. Waters has endorsed Stumbo, praising his character and legal acumen.
The outcome of this primary could significantly impact the political landscape in South Carolina, particularly in how corruption cases are handled in the future.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
