Report on S.C. State funds gets 2nd look

First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe says he's reviewing a report from the State Ethics Commission on the "misuse of public funds" at South Carolina State University, but he's not yet sure if or when he'll bring charges against anyone involved.

Pascoe would not say specifically what was included in the report.

He said, "I'm taking a second look (at the report). There could be something here."

Pascoe said he met with Herb Hayden, executive director of the State Ethics Commission, late last week to discuss the report, which Hayden had passed on to him. Since then, Pascoe said, "I've conducted an initial review and made personal findings."

But, Pascoe said, he has "no timetable" for a decision.

Hayden also said he would not comment about the details of the report. But, Pascoe said, the commission received anonymously a report from an audit that was conducted at the university at the request of former President Andrew Hugine.

The university's Board of Trustees voted in December not to renew Hugine's contract.

Hayden said the audit report raised questions about "activity in the finance department." He also said "select individuals were targets of the investigation."

Hugine could not be reached for comment Monday.

Maurice Washington, whose term as chairman of S.C. State's board ends June 30, said he was aware the commission was investigating activities at the university.

University officials conducted an internal audit, the report from which was presented to the board in spring 2007, Washington said.

The audit report "alleged inappropriate activities by an employee who is no longer employed by South Carolina State University," he said.

In December, he said, in the midst of controversy over the board's decision on Hugine, someone gave the audit report to the State Ethics Commission.

The commission has been investigating the matter since January, Washington said. The university cooperated with the commission and "will fully cooperate with the Solicitor's office," he said.

Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or dknich@postandcourier.com.