SCDP Chair Requests SLED Investigate Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s Campaign Activities

October 21, 2024

On Oct 21st, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain asked the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division to investigate Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s use of government property for political purposes.

See the letter by clicking here and below.

October 21, 2024

Chief Mark Keel
South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division
440 Broad Road
Columbia, SC 29210

Chief Keel:

Last Friday, Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson released an advertisement where she cites emails from her opponent, David Osborne, from when he was an employee in the solicitor’s office. The emails referenced in the campaign advertisement are official communication between two governmental employees. The advertisement can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D8kviycnY/

While Solicitor Wilson would have access to those emails, the only way she would be allowed to use them for political purposes is to request them through an Open Records request. There is no evidence to provide for the public to know that such a request has occurred. If it didn’t happen, Solicitor Wilson broke the law.

Additionally, Solicitor Wilson’s campaign apparently used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mimic her opponent’s voice in the advertisement. While not illegal in South Carolina, this is a highly unethical practice.

I’m writing today to ask the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division to investigate Solicitor Wilson’s use of government property for political purposes. While all candidates should be held to a high ethical standard, law enforcement officials must be held to an even higher standard.

If you require additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Christale Spain
Chair

Latest News

Congressman Clyburn and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain to Attend Election Night Watch Party with Local Democratic Leaders in Columbia, SC

November 4, 2024
On Tuesday, November 5 at 6:00 p.m. ET, Congressman Clyburn and SCDP Chair Christale Spain will join the Richland County and Lexington County Democratic Parties to host an Election Night Watch Party.… Read More

South Carolina Democratic Party Calls for Respect and Compliance at Polling Locations Following Orangeburg County Incident

October 31, 2024
In light of recent events at a polling site in Orangeburg County, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain released the following statement: “The law is clear: no campaign… Read More

SCDP Chair Requests SLED Investigate Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s Campaign Activities

October 21, 2024
On Oct 21st, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain asked the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division to investigate Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s use… Read More

South Carolina Democratic Party Applauds Vice President Harris’ Historic Proposal to Support South Carolinians Caring for Aging Loved Ones

October 8, 2024
On Oct 8th, Vice President Harris announced a historic plan to strengthen Medicare to cover home care for seniors. The new benefit would drastically lower costs for the “sandwich… Read More

In the Wake of the Destruction Caused by Hurricane Helene, South Carolina Democratic Party Files Lawsuit Seeking to Extend Voter Registration Deadlines

October 4, 2024
In the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, the South Carolina Democratic Party has filed a lawsuit asking the Court to order the South Carolina State Election Commission to extend the… Read More