Some students at S.C. State worried about fallout from public corruption case

Some students at South Carolina State University say they are worried that fallout from indictments against two former school officials in a public corruption case will cheapen the quality of their degrees.

University leaders said they have begun to launch reforms to prevent similar crimes from happening in the future. They also said they think all employees who possibly were involved in criminal or unethical behavior have been purged. And they are hopeful about the school’s chances of moving forward in positive ways after years of turmoil and scandal.

Former board chairman Jonathan Pinson, 42, was indicted Thursday for allegedly using his influence at the university to broker a land deal in exchange for which he would receive a $100,000 Porshe Cayenne. He also was accused of steering a contract to someone he knew to promote the school’s 2011 homecoming concert.

Pinson pleaded not guilty to all counts of the indictment.

Michael Bartley, 48, the school’s former police chief, earlier in the day pleaded guilty to his role in the land deal, for which he would have received an all-terrain vehicle and a cash payment of about $30,000.

Law enforcement officials have said more indictments and charges are expected.

Read more about the impact of the scandal on S.C. State in upcoming editions of The Post and Courier.