SC Lt. Gov Ard resigns, is indicted, gets probation

The State ^ | 3/9/12 | Cliff LeBlanc

[Santa Fe_Conservative]

The state’s biggest ethics offender – racking up 106 violations in one political campaign – will not serve time behind bars.

Lt. Gov Ken Ard will remain free under a sentence of five years probation, a $5,000 fine and 300 hours of community service. Circuit Judge G. Thomas Cooper Jr. decided Ard’s punishment Friday after listening for 50 minutes to character witnesses and pleas for mercy, including from Ard himself.

“I stand here humble, apologetic,” Ard said after pleading guilty to seven charges just a few hours after he resigned the job that had him first in the line of succession to become governor. “Your honor, I can’t undo anything. All I can do is say I’m sorry. Ken Ard in court

Former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard, flanked by attorneys, pleads guilty Friday in a Richland County courtroom after resigning his State House post Ard was sentenced to 5 years probation, a $5,000 fine and 300 hours of community service.

All the violations are misdemeanors under the state ethics law. Each is punishable by a maximum of 1 year in prison and a $5,000 fine.

“I wish it would go away. But I made this mess. I hope you will accept my apology, because this is from the bottom of my heart.”

After an eight-month investigation, the state grand jury ended the public speculation Friday. Ard was indicted, resigned and was sentenced – all in one day.

[jocon307]

No, I know you weren’t defending him. It just amazes me that some people do.

SIGH! Our guys aren’t looking so good in SC, that is for sure.