Eight individuals have been charged in federal court following a public corruption investigation in North Charleston. Among those charged are three members of the North Charleston City Council. The charges include bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes.
Jerome Sydney Heyward, Sandino Savalas Moses, Donavan Laval Moten, and Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks have agreed to plead guilty. A federal grand jury has indicted Mike A. Brown, Hason Tatorian Fields, Rose Emily Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton.
Heyward is accused of using his position for personal gain through various schemes involving bribes and kickbacks. He faces multiple charges including extortion and money laundering with a potential 20-year prison sentence.
Mike A. Brown is charged with conspiring to commit bribery related to the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Aaron Hicks is charged with conspiracy to pay bribes to council members Heyward and Brown for their influence on city matters. He also faces a possible 20-year sentence.
Hason Tatorian Fields allegedly conspired with Hicks to bribe council member Sandino Moses concerning rezoning efforts. Fields could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Sandino Moses is charged with misprision of a felony for failing to disclose attempted bribes from Fields. His potential sentence includes up to three years in prison.
Donavan Laval Moten's charges include conspiracy and theft related to funds received by his nonprofit organization from North Charleston grants. Moten has agreed to cooperate with law enforcement officials.
Michelle Stent-Hilton is accused of similar offenses involving grant funds distributed by North Charleston while serving as Heyward’s assistant. She faces significant penalties if convicted.
Rose Emily Lorenzo's charges involve acting as an intermediary in laundering funds connected with these schemes, facing severe legal consequences if proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews emphasized that public service should be viewed as a trust rather than just a job: “The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”
Steve Jensen from the FBI highlighted that public corruption cannot be tolerated at any level: “Citizens have a right to expect honesty, fairness, and integrity from their leaders.” SLED Chief Mark Keel reiterated accountability regardless of one's position: “Elected officials and citizens should be working together...not exploiting others.”
The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards handling this case where all defendants remain innocent until proven otherwise beyond reasonable doubt within court proceedings.
