SLED to enter auditor probe

Clerks gave multiple discounts on some automobile tax bills

ST. GEORGE — SLED will take a closer look at a recent investigation of the Dorchester County auditor's office to see if criminal charges are warranted.

The report by the accounting firm Dixon Hughes showed four clerks lowering car tax bills by giving multiple discounts, downgrading the condition of vehicles without documentation and apparently falsifying mileage.

State Law Enforcement Division Communications Director Jennifer Timmons said Thursday that First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe called in SLED about a week ago.

SLED will need to set up a meeting with the solicitor's office to see what needs to be done, she said.

There's no estimate on how much work that might involve or how long it might take, Timmons said.

Dorchester County officials, who requested the audit, asked the solicitor to look into the report.

Pascoe said a couple of weeks ago that he was considering calling in SLED because he was concerned the report was not extensive enough.

Neither Pascoe nor auditor Brenda Nix could not be reached for comment.

The audit gives no indication of the amount of money the improper tax discounts cost the county, although several councilmen estimated the losses in the tens of thousands of dollars.

One of the clerks retired, and the other three were fired.

Among those who were fired was Teresa Smoak Messex, who was running for auditor at the time.

Messex said her firing was politically motivated and that she and her supporters were unfairly singled out.

Nix did not run for election. She was appointed when Auditor Johnette Connelley took another job.

Summerville real-estate agent J.J. Messervy beat Messex in the Republican primary and faces no Democratic opposition in November.

Reach Dave Munday at 745-5862 or dmunday@postandcourier.com.