S.C. Gov. Sanford To Face Hearing Into Possible Ethics Violations

An ethics panel said South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford should face charges he violated state laws tied to a three-month investigation into his travel and campaign finances.

The panel met for seven hours on Wednesday, going over in detail, the charges against Governor Sanford.

The State Ethics Commission on Wednesday didn't provide details of its decision or the specific charges Sanford would face during a hearing of the panel early next year.

“They found probable cause exists on several allegations,” said Herbert Hayden, Executive Director of the South Carolina Ethics Commission. “They wanted me to point out that the finding of probable cause is not a finding of guilt,” he said.

Questions about Sanford's use of state, private and commercial planes arose after he disappeared from the state in June and said he had been in Argentina visiting his mistress.

Associated Press investigations found Sanford violated bans on using state planes for personal and political purposes and sitting in pricey commercial seats.

A lawyer for South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is predicting the governor will face only minor allegations from a state ethics panel.

Attorney Butch Bowers said Wednesday the State Ethics Commission decision to hold a hearing on the charges will not involve criminal allegations against the governor.

Previous Stories: November 17, 2009: S.C. Lawmaker Introduces Gov. Impeachment Measure November 12, 2009: S.C. House Committee Readies For Sanford Impeachment November 5, 2009: S.C. High Court Says Gov.'s Ethics Probe Is Public October 27, 2009: S.C. Lawmakers Nix Considering Sanford Impeachment October 21, 2009: Chester Rep. Plans To Introduce S.C. Gov. Impeachment Proceedings October 20, 2009: Governor Leads Conversation On Unemployment Problem October 7, 2009: Sanford Says Constituents Care More About Jobs Than Ethics Probe October 2, 2009: SC Supreme Court To Review Gov's Ethics Arguments September 17, 2009: S.C. Gov Tours Lancaster School He Considered Closing, Pushes Reform September 10, 2009: S.C. GOP Leaders Vote To Ask Governor To Quit September 9, 2009: 60 S.C. House Republicans Call On Governor To Resign September 8, 2009: S.C. Governor Defends Flights, Staying In Office September 4, 2009: Republicans May Speak Out Collectively Against Sanford Next Week