Former South Carolina State Election Commission Executive Director Howard Knapp and former Deputy Director Paige Salonich have been charged with alleged crimes related to their roles at the agency, according to an announcement from Attorney General Alan Wilson.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office requested that the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigate the matter. Following the investigation, SLED has filed charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
“While everyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty, no one is above the law, and we won’t stand for taxpayers being exploited,” said Attorney General Wilson.
Knapp faces charges of Accessory After the Fact, Misconduct in Office, Embezzlement of Public Funds (value less than $10,000), and eight counts of Use of Official Position or Office for Financial Gain. Salonich has been charged with Wiretapping.
According to arrest warrants, before a State Election Commission meeting intended to terminate Knapp, Salonich allegedly placed a personal recorder in the commissioners’ meeting room to record the proceedings. This action led to the Wiretapping charge against her. The warrants further state that Knapp later contacted SCEC employees to remove the recording device, which resulted in his charge of Accessory After the Fact.
Knapp is also accused of using state vehicles for personal reasons and allegedly used public funds to purchase gas for these vehicles, resulting in the Embezzlement and Misconduct in Office charges.
Both Knapp and Salonich were booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office State Grand Jury Division will prosecute the case.
