At least four people linked to South Carolina received pardons or commutations from President Donald Trump who was leaving office overnight.
They include, according to a White House press release:
A pardon to Carl Andrews Boggs, who, as reported by The Charlotte Observer, was the head of a major road construction company in the Charlotte area and pleaded guilty in 2014 to defrauding the state and federal government by $ 87 million in road works. The pardon was supported by SC Department of Transportation chairman Tony Cox and others, the White House said.
“Since his release, Mr. Boggs has rebuilt his company, employed hundreds of people and devoted countless hours and financial resources to his community,” said the White House.
Monstsho Eugene Vernon had his sentence commuted. Vernon served 19 years in prison for committing a series of armed bank robberies in Greenville, the White House said.
“Evidence showed that several of these offenses involved him carrying BB guns instead of genuine firearms,” according to the statement. He also survived cancer while he was behind bars.
The switch was supported by Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and the Office of the Attorney for Forgiveness.
David Rowland received total forgiveness. The White House said Rowland’s asbestos removal license expired when he accepted asbestos removal work at an elementary school. He reportedly completed the job in accordance with other regulations, but received two years probation for violating the Clean Air Act. Forgiveness was supported by US Senator Lindsey Graham, RS.C.
Brian McSwain received total forgiveness. According to the White House, McSwain was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a crime committed in the early 1990s. Since then, he has reportedly “had a paid job and been passed over on several promotion opportunities due to his felony conviction. “.
The pardon was supported by Senator Graham and two former South Carolina District Attorneys and other former officers, the White House said.
Come back with the developing story.
Reach Schuyler Kropf at 843-937-5551. Follow him on Twitter at @ skropf47.