State commission dismisses complaints against solicitor

COLUMBIA, SC (WCSC) - The Commission of Lawyer Conduct and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel dismissed complaints filed against Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson by two attorneys in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, according to a release from Wilson's office.

The dismissals Tuesday come after an independent investigation by the agencies, the release states.

Wilson issued a statement following the dismissals:

"This dismissal is not a surprise to me because my office did not behave unethically. We have a great group of prosecutors who understand our mission: seeking justice through vigorous enforcement of the law in a reasonable, honest and efficient manner. Several things are important to remember about the claims. Most of them stem from cases that were handled long ago in Circuit Court. Most did not directly involve me. None of the judges who actually knew and experienced these cases—the judges who actually lived and presided over them-- has ever made a finding of prosecutorial misconduct. All of the claims were meritless and I appreciate the Commission's and the ODC's investigation, review and resulting affirmation. Finally, I am grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and constituents who saw this attack for what it was: a political smear."

The Commission on Lawyer Conduct is made up of 50 members, including 34 South Carolina attorneys and 16 members of the general public. The commission investigates complaints of laywer misconduct and incapacity made against South Carolina attorneys.

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