Becky Hill Clerk of Court. Photo: CourtTV
Becky Hill Faces 76 Ethics Violations: Former Court Clerk Accused of Misuse in Murdaugh Case
Columbia, S.C., — In a case rife with controversy, former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill, who managed the high-profile Alex Murdaugh murder trial as Clerk of Court, is facing a staggering 76 counts of ethics violations. The South Carolina Ethics Committee will hold a hearing on December 19th, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for case number C2023-094, at the State Ethics Commission Hearing Room in Columbia, S.C., to address these allegations by Laura Hayes, The former Colleton County clerk of court, which include accusations of financial misconduct and possible exploitation of Hill’s role for personal gain.
The 25-page complaint against Hill, filed by South Carolina officials, accuses her of using county resources for personal benefits and leveraging the Murdaugh trial’s notoriety to promote her book on the case. According to the complaint, Hill allegedly arranged for a photo of Murdaugh in a holding cell to be taken specifically for her book, gave herself unauthorized bonuses, and misappropriated county funds for meals, gifts, and staff member parties.
Hill’s actions allegedly extend beyond her handling of finances. The complaint states that she struck a deal with a documentary producer to use the county courtroom in exchange for promotional support for her book—a book that was later found to contain plagiarized content. If proven, Hill could be required to reimburse expenses, face thousands of dollars in fines, and possibly face criminal charges if the committee finds evidence of illegal conduct.
The Ethics Committee hearing, set for December 19 in Columbia, will operate much like a trial. Both Hill and the Ethics Committee will present evidence, call witnesses, and provide testimony on each count. Public attendance will be permitted and CC News Network will be there to cover it live for you. Should the Ethics Committee find Hill guilty, they could also refer her case to the Attorney General’s office for potential criminal charges.
Meanwhile, a separate criminal investigation is still apparently ongoing, following allegations that Hill attempted to influence the jury in Murdaugh’s trial. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed that it is looking into whether Hill tampered with jurors or misused her office, adding further scrutiny to her role in Murdaugh’s conviction.
As first reported by CC News Network back in early July, 2024, we found through multiple sources that Becky Hill was under a surrogate investigation conducted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Lexington, SC. A surrogate investigation occurs when the South Carolina Attorney General delegates an investigation to a Solicitor, who then investigates and prosecutes on behalf of the AG’s office.
It’s also been widely reported that the South Carolina Attorney General has been slow to investigate or prosecute Becky Hill. However, in a statement to FitsNews, an AG spokesperson, “Moving forward with due diligence,” but criminal investigation is “not yet concluded.”
🚨 #Murdaugh: Responding to comments published today by @LawyerGriffin and @HarpootlianSC, spokesman for @AGAlanWilson says SC’s case against disgraced clerk of court #BeckyHill is “moving forward with due diligence,” but criminal investigation is “not yet concluded.” Stay tuned!
— FITSNews (@fitsnews) November 5, 2024
This news outlet contacted former Murdaugh juror, Juror 785—now identified as Myra Crosby—to inquire whether anyone from SLED or the State had approached her regarding Becky Hill. Crosby’s response was a straightforward “Nope.” If, as the spokesperson claimed, Hill’s criminal investigation is indeed moving forward, then why hasn’t anyone from the State reached out to who may be the primary witness to Hill’s alleged jury tampering?
Myra Crosby, a former juror on the Murdaugh trial who was dismissed under mysterious circumstances, recently released a book titled Because Enough is Enough, where she shares her perspective on the trial and raises concerns about Hill’s conduct towards Crosby and with the entire Murdaugh jury. Crosby’s written account adds to the mounting scrutiny surrounding Hill, whose actions before, during, and after the trial continue to spark questions and legal investigations.
What has been done by the State as it pertains to Crosby and the Hill investigation? For starters, they have fervently kept Crosby’s records under under a tight lock and key through a judicial seal, essentially keeping them from the public view. Crosby’s records are the only known record of what actually happened behind closed doors at the Murdaugh trial when she was relieved of her duty as a juror. According to Crosby, she wrote the book because she was tired of the lies that were being spewed about her, including lies from the State, Crosby said in an interview with the Law & Crime Network.
Her attorney, Joe McCulloch said in a statement to CC News Network, “Secrecy is sometimes necessary, but ultimately serves history poorly.” McCulloch then added, “My client is disappointed in what the public would learn.”
The state argued against releasing Crosby’s records from judicial seal to the South Carolina Supreme Court, and they Court has opted to keep the records sealed surrounding the dismissal of Juror 785, Myra Crosby. The order was signed by all 5 Justices.
However, in an unusual twist this summer, a “referral” letter was sent by Attorney General Alan Wilson, and appointed South Carolina’s Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard to “assist” his office with prosecutorial decisions concerning Becky Hill. Noting that the limited designation may be revoked at anytime.
Becky Hill resigned from her post as Clerk of Court in March, citing the immense public scrutiny she faced due to her involvement in the Murdaugh trial and a desire to spend more time with her family. Her attorney has not yet commented on the ethics allegations or the criminal investigation.
Hill’s son was also arrested on November 21, 2023 by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Jeffrey Colton Hill, 34, with wiretapping. According to SLED, Hill, misusing his role as an information technology director, unlawfully intercepted and listened to a phone conversation on July 20. The individuals involved were unaware and had not consented to the recording. A search warrant for the phone records confirmed the conversation was recorded by an IP address assigned to Hill’s computer. Nothing has been done by any court in this matter since Hill’s initial appearance in January, 2024.
The fallout from the Murdaugh trial continues to ripple through South Carolina, with Hill’s ethics case adding to a string of high-profile legal battles and ethical dilemmas tied to the powerful figures associated with it. Hill’s actions during and after the trial have drawn widespread criticism, with some, including the presiding judge in Murdaugh’s case, questioning her motivations and suggesting that she may have been influenced by her pursuit of fame.
The South Carolina Ethics Committee hearing for Becky Hill Hill will be held on Thursday December 19th, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at 201 Executive Center Drive, Suite 15 Columbia, S.C., 29210
CC News Network will attend the Ethics Hearing and report to you live from Columbia. Please continue to follow this case closely, providing updates as Hill’s December hearing approaches and as the criminal investigation unfolds. Stay tuned for the latest on this and other major stories from South Carolina.
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