SLED officially launches second investigation into Jasper Co. Treasurer

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced that it launched a second investigation into Jasper County Treasurer, Michael Skinner.

Skinner, who holds an elected position, was brought into the spotlight last week after the county discussed allegations against him in an executive session.

The county council accused Skinner of sending a threatening text to someone and misusing county funds to pay holiday bonuses to his employees after being told not to.

Officials released the text to the public.

YOU CAN SEE THE TEXT BELOW:

Following the meeting, the council voted to increase security for all county buildings, employees, and resources.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office also began an investigation before calling SLED for assistance.

THE FIRST INVESTIGATION:

SLED first looked into the threatening text that Skinner allegedly sent out.

They say this investigation started on December 8 and is still ongoing and active, but on Friday, they told the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office that they reviewed the message and found “little to no evidence of any credible threat or danger of violence to county personnel.”

No charges have currently been brought against Skinner from this investigation.

THE SECOND INVESTIGATION:

SLED is now looking into allegations that Skinner inappropriately spent county funds.

They received the request on December 9 to investigate this and officially started the investigation on December 15.

The case is active and ongoing, and no charges have been brought against Skinner from this investigation.