SLED investigating former Beaufort County probate court employee
A former Beaufort County Probate Court employee is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for allegations of “unauthorized practice of law.”
On Monday, a spokesperson from SLED, Renee Wunderlich, confirmed that the highest-level state law enforcement agency was requested on March 14 by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to investigate these allegations. It was also separately confirmed by the county’s Probate Judge, Heather Galvin, who said that within 24 hours of the discovery of the alleged incident, the person’s employment ceased with the county.
This charge is covered under Chapter 5, Article 5 of the state’s Code of Laws and identifies who can, among other things, practice law and provide legal advice. It is unclear which of the code’s nine sections were under investigation.
A person who is convicted of unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina is subject to felony charges and could be imprisoned for up to five years.
The mission and purpose of the court
The Probate Court in Beaufort County has jurisdiction over all matters related to estates, trusts, guardianship and conservatorship, along with the issuance of marriage licenses and the approval of certain wrongful death settlements.
According to Wunderlich, SLED is also actively investigating allegations of embezzlement involving the Bluffton Township Fire District.
