Beaufort County Faces Legal Leadership Shakeup Amid Allegations and Ethics Complaints

Beaufort County Navigates Legal Leadership Transition Amid Controversy

In the charming town of Beaufort, changes are underway in the county’s legal leadership as both county attorneys have stepped down. Brittany Ward announced her resignation effective December 2, just before an independent investigation was launched following allegations against her. Meanwhile, former County Attorney Thomas Keaveny officially retired earlier this month after his own tumultuous time in office.

Shifting Sands of Legal Leadership

With both attorneys leaving, Beaufort County now finds itself at a crossroads. Ward’s exit was preceded by reports of her representing her parents in a land transaction that raised eyebrows. In February 2024, her parents sold a 1.8-acre property to the county for $434,000, which they had purchased for $290,000 just a couple of years prior. This transaction generated a handsome $144,000 profit for the Orrs, prompting questions about potential conflicts of interest.

County spokesperson Hannah Nichols emphasized that Ward’s resignation was not directly related to these allegations, as she had served notice about two weeks prior to the allegations surfacing. However, a citizen complaint regarding Ward is currently under review, and the county has forwarded it to law enforcement to ensure an independent legal examination.

Historical Context of Controversy

Ward and Keaveny’s tenure coincided with a notably turbulent period for Beaufort County officials, which was marred by nine ethics complaints. These included serious accusations against several high-ranking officials, including:

• Shannon Loper, the former Parks and Recreation Director, faced two complaints.
• Eric Greenway, the former County Administrator, was hit with two accusations as well.
• Other whistleblower complaints involved Deputy Administrator Whitney Richland, Special Assistant Hank Amundson, and Assistant County Administrator for Infrastructure, Jared Fralix.
• Even former Capital Improvement Projects Director Eric Larson found himself in the crosshairs of complaints.

While it appears that one of these complaints against Fralix was dismissed, the state Ethics Commission has chosen not to confirm or deny any aspects of that ruling.

Temporary Measures in Place

As the county moves forward with this leadership transition, the roles of Ward and Keaveny will be temporarily managed by deputy attorneys Dylan Kidd and Brian Hulbert. The county is actively seeking new candidates to fill the attorney positions permanently, showcasing an effort to stabilize the legal framework of the county.

Despite the flurry of controversy, Nichols reassured residents that the county is serious about investigating any allegations of impropriety. “We want to ensure the citizens of Beaufort County that we take all allegations seriously, and if any wrongdoing is found, it will be reported to the appropriate authorities,” she stated.

Keaveny’s Bumpy Ride

Keaveny’s tenure as county attorney wasn’t without its challenges either. Several consulting contracts he authorized for former county employees drew criticism, adding to his complicated history. His role underwent twists and turns, including a demotion in January 2020 amid controversies surrounding a draft ordinance aimed at regulating public participation in county meetings. This move sparked backlash over potential violations of free speech, contributing to his tumultuous tenure.

With County Administrator Michael Moore currently unavailable for comment, the future of Beaufort County’s legal team remains uncertain. The community is awaiting developments with bated breath as they hope for a fresh start in the legal landscape of their beloved county.

As Beaufort County enters this new era, residents are keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation, eager to see what changes will materialize and how the county will navigate these rocky waters.