North Charleston Corruption Probe Charges 8, Including 3 City Council Members

Federal investigation uncovers bribery, kickbacks, and extortion schemes involving public officials and nonprofits in North Charleston.

Three North Charleston City Council members, including Jerome Heyward, Mike A. Brown, and Sandino Moses, are among the eight individuals charged in a federal corruption case.
Jerome Heyward, who faces the most charges, resigned from his position and is accused of soliciting bribes, extorting a businessman, and embezzling city funds through nonprofit grants.
The investigation revealed that Heyward and others conspired to steer city violence reduction grants to nonprofits in exchange for kickbacks totaling $40,000.
Charges also involve bribery related to the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site and a failed project between Sea Fox Boats and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Several defendants, including Heyward and Moses, have agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with authorities, with plea hearings scheduled for February 28.