COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A former South Carolina lawmaker is defending himself against allegations of corruption stemming from a long statehouse investigation.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reported former Columbia Rep. Jim Harrison testified Friday that he was never a high level employee of Richard Quinn & Associates, as prosecutors have said.
Four state lawmakers have pleaded guilty in the investigation, which revolved around Quinn, a long-time political powerbroker in Columbia.
Harrison is a former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who did not seek re-election in 2012. He’s charged with conspiracy, misconduct in office, and lying to law enforcement officials. If convicted on all of the charges, he could face up to 21 years in prison.
Harrison says he did work for Quinn, but said he never helped with big business clients.
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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com
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