Former head of SC Election Commission accused of embezzlement, misusing public funds

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The former executive director and deputy executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission each found themselves behind bars.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Howard Knapp and Paige Salonich were each arrested Friday and booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. Their mugshots were not immediately available.

Knapp, the former executive director, faces eight counts of use of position or office for financial gain. He’s also charged with misconduct in office, embezzlement of public funds and accessory after the fact. Salonich, the former deputy executive director, faces a single count of wiretapping.

According to warrants released by SLED, Knapp is accused of using two fleet vehicles for personal use between June 2023 and January 2024. In that time, documents state Knapp allegedly spent $5,482.74 on gas that was charged to a payment card consisting of public funds.

Warrants also note Knapp and his spouse used the vehicles “for unauthorized and off-duty personal use, business or recreation.”

Knapp was fired by the South Carolina Election Commission as its executive director in September. Warrants state Salonich allegedly placed a recording device inside a meeting room before a commissioner’s meeting. After the meeting, warrants state Knapp allegedly called commission employees, asking them to remove the device from the room.

The alleged incident was cited in Salonich’s termination letter from the commission, which came after an internal investigation.

Knapp and Salonich were respectively granted $75,000 and $25,000 bonds at hearings on Friday. Knapp’s attorney, Joe McCulloch, called his client’s arrest political.

“This is all about politics,” he said. “We look forward to a very public trial. See you there.”

Salonich’s attorney did not provide a comment.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office also announced Friday that it is prosecuting the case and that it asked SLED to investigate Knapp and Salonich.

“While everyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty, no one is above the law,” Wilson said in a statement. “And we won’t stand for taxpayers being exploited.”

The South Carolina Election Commission provided the following statement on Friday via Interim Director Jenny Wooten:

“The State Election Commission is aware of the arrests of two former employees for alleged crimes that occurred during their employment with the agency. We appreciate the thorough work of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). While none of the allegations involve the conduct of South Carolina’s elections, they are nonetheless deeply troubling. Through internal investigations, personnel actions, and full cooperation with law enforcement, the Commission’s Chairman and members have acted swiftly, decisively, and transparently to address this matter. The State Election Commission is firmly committed to restoring the public’s trust and remains dedicated to upholding the integrity, accountability, and professionalism that the people of South Carolina expect and deserve.”

Jenny Wooten | Interim Director, South Carolina Election Commission

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

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