Beaufort County’s Ethics Saga: What’s Next After Loper’s Suspension?
Residents of Beaufort County have been holding their breath for nearly two years as whispers of ethics violations swirled among county officials. The ethical cloud hanging over local government took a dramatic turn this October when the state’s ethics commission handed down its first ruling. The focus? Former Parks and Recreation Director, Shannon Loper, who faced serious accusations related to her tenure.
What Happened?
It’s hard to imagine a more tumultuous time for Beaufort County leadership than during the first half of 2023. Amidst the stormy political waters, Eric Greenway, then County Administrator, found himself under fire, ultimately leading to his dismissal. The ethics commission’s investigation slowed down the clock, but it finally picked up speed again with Loper’s case making headlines.
As the first official to be cited, Loper wasn’t just a regular employee; she had served the county for over seven years! However, her departure from the position came linked with allegations of two significant ethical breaches. The state ethics commission’s findings raised eyebrows all around town, suggesting that this may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Details of the Findings
The commission’s report highlighted serious concerns about Loper’s handling of the county’s finances. One allegation claimed she approved payments to her sons totaling nearly $7,000 for various services, including officiating games and coaching cheer camps. Sounds like a family affair, right? But this practice raised red flags regarding public employees making decisions benefiting their family members.
In a moment of defiance, Loper defended her actions on a podcast hosted by former County Council Member Mike Covert. She argued that staffing shortages justified her sons’ appointments. Yet, despite her defensiveness, the commission slapped her with a public reprimand, ordering her to pay a reduced civil penalty of $1,500. Ouch!
Riding the Ethics Rollercoaster
But wait, there’s more! A second complaint stemming from a 2022 work conference in Phoenix revealed Loper might have misused county funds. She allegedly rented both a house and a van with county money, which she claimed saved the county about $1,770 compared to hotel costs. Quite the savings move! However, she later authorized reimbursement for personal expenses, causing the commission to find probable cause for this violation. Their decision? They opted to waive any further prosecution.
Management in Turmoil
As if Loper’s case weren’t enough, the county is reeling from the exits of significant figures in its government, affecting its already shaky leadership structure. Recent resignations among county attorneys have left the administration in a transition whirlwind. Former County Attorney Brittany Ward stepped down amid scrutiny connected to a controversial land deal. Meanwhile, another former attorney, Thomas Keaveny, had his retirement tainted by questions surrounding his decision-making processes during his tenure.
What Comes Next?
As other complaints continue to loom over Beaufort County leadership, it’s evident that the investigations are far from over. Currently, there are formal complaints against several current and former officials, including two against Greenway and allegations against various other administrators.
Only time will tell how the county will navigate through these ethical challenges. With multiple investigations underway, the citizens of Beaufort County deserve transparency and principled governance. Residents continue to watch this unfolding drama, eagerly waiting to see what happens next in the ethics saga.
As for Loper, she has already moved on, securing a position as the interim parks director in Rincon, Georgia. It seems while some are mired in controversy, others are swiftly moving forward—albeit with the *shadow* of ethics complaints hanging over them.
