Corrupt sheriffs

Thanks for checking out our very first episode of Understand SC. We’re thrilled that our inaugural episode features three-time Pulitzer finalist Tony Bartelme, who along with reporter Joseph Cranny discovered that sheriffs in South Carolina spend thousands of dollars in public money on things like first-class flights, private chauffeurs, and even $10,000 at a single Golden Corral since 2015. It’s not clear whether or not many of these charges are totally legal. The investigation found that the political process of electing sheriffs, very little oversight and several sources of public funding make this law enforcement office especially prone to bad behavior. The big question: In the past decade, no fewer than 11 of South Carolina’s 46 counties have seen their sheriffs accused of breaking laws - that’s nearly one in four. Why? And what would it take to hold these officials accountable? Further reading: The full investigation: SC sheriffs fly first class, bully employees and line their pockets with taxpayer money In Orangeburg, a sheriff dies – and the secrets spill out Theme music by Billie Fountain. Find him on Spotify.