In a significant development in South Carolina’s ongoing crackdown on public corruption, the state Attorney General’s Office has filed new charges against Tiffany Cooks, the former Williamsburg County Supervisor and former Town Administrator of Estill. The case, announced in March 2025, centers around a widening scheme of financial misconduct and abuse of public office involving Cooks and Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen Gardner.

The South Carolina State Grand Jury indicted both officials on a series of corruption-related charges, including criminal conspiracy, misconduct in office, and embezzlement, according to a formal announcement from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

Charges and Allegations

The nine-count indictment accuses Cooks and Gardner of orchestrating a complex scheme to illegally reroute government funds for personal benefit. Among the most serious allegations are:

• Offering and receiving unlawful compensation: Cooks allegedly paid Sheriff Gardner unauthorized compensation beyond his official salary.
• Criminal conspiracy: The pair is accused of planning and executing a coordinated effort to misappropriate public funds.
• Misconduct in office: Both individuals reportedly violated the ethical standards required of their public roles.
• Money laundering and embezzlement: Prosecutors allege the defendants used third parties to funnel government funds, disguising their origin and purpose while also avoiding tax obligations.

The case underscores South Carolina’s growing commitment to enforcing ethics laws and eliminating misuse of taxpayer money. “Public officials who abuse their power to enrich themselves will be held accountable,” Attorney General Alan Wilson said in a statement.

Fallout and Suspensions

Following the indictment, Sheriff Gardner was suspended from his duties. However, the Town of Estill has not released a statement regarding Cooks’ employment status or any internal investigations that may have taken place after the charges surfaced.

Local government officials have faced increasing scrutiny across the state, with this case emerging as one of the most high-profile examples. The investigation was led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and supported by the State Grand Jury, a body specifically empowered to handle complex corruption cases. SLED has pledged to continue working with state prosecutors to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing.

Public Reaction and Broader Context

Community members in Williamsburg County and Estill have expressed disappointment and anger over the betrayal of public trust. Many residents are calling for increased transparency and stronger oversight of local government spending.

The indictment is part of a broader wave of investigations initiated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which has increasingly focused on rooting out systemic corruption in small towns and rural counties. These efforts reflect a national trend where watchdog agencies and media investigations are shedding light on the misuse of power by elected officials.

According to the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT), strengthening internal controls and conducting regular audits are key strategies to prevent such abuses.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Both Cooks and Gardner are expected to appear in court in the coming months. If convicted, they could face significant prison time, heavy fines, and permanent disqualification from holding public office in South Carolina.

Legal analysts suggest that the state’s use of the Grand Jury system indicates the seriousness of the allegations and the complexity of the case. “When public corruption is involved, prosecutors often rely on the Grand Jury to investigate financial records, subpoena witnesses, and build airtight cases,” said attorney Marcus Beltran, a legal expert on governmental ethics.

Conclusion

As the case unfolds, it has become a potent reminder of the importance of ethical governance and the dangers posed by unchecked power in public institutions. South Carolina’s Attorney General has reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance approach to public corruption, emphasizing the need for accountability at every level of government.

For updates on this case and ongoing investigations into government corruption in South Carolina, you can follow the official newsroom at scag.gov/newsroom.

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