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SLED Director: Governor didn't commit crime with trips
Posted: 07.02.2009 at 2:00 PM
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 COLUMBIA, S.C.  -  South Carolina's top cop says Gov. Mark Sanford did not improperly use state funds for visits with his Argentine mistress.

State Law Enforcement Division Chief Reggie Lloyd said Thursday that Sanford did not break any laws. 

Lloyd said during a Thursday afternoon press conference the Governor was very cooperative during the review, provided personal financial records and made himself available for an interview.

The director also said sometimes "fairness is to say there's nothing there, and there's nothing there" in regards to any criminal activity.

South Carolina's attorney general asked police to investigate the governor's travel after Sanford revealed to The Associated Press he had spent time with Maria Belen Chapur more often than previously disclosed.
Sanford has given two personal checks totaling $3,300 to the state treasurer as reimbursement for part of a taxpayer-funded trip to South America last year.  He says the money covered lodging, meals and airfare to Buenos Aires, where he saw Chapur.

Top South Carolina Republicans have called for Sanford to step down.  The governor's spokesman says Sanford does not intend to resign.

The State Law Enforcement Division Director Reggie Lloyd said Governor Mark Sanford did not do anything illegal with public funds during his trips to Argentina.

Lloyd said during a Thursday afternoon press conference the Governor was very cooperative during the review and made himself available for an interview.

The director also said sometimes "fairness is to say there's nothing there, and there's nothing there" in regards to any criminal activity.

Governor Spokesman Joel Sawyer released a statement after the press conference:

"We're pleased that SLED has concluded its review, which confirms what we've said from day one * no public money was used in relation to the governor's admitted marital infidelity. This issue is behind us once and for all.

"Now that SLED has finished its review, we believe it appropriate to also release the governor's personal travel records to the media, so that there can be full and complete disclosure and transparency."

The documents are attached to this article.  You can see them with the links below.

Attorney General Henry McMaster, who was the one requesting SLED for the investigation, also released a statement:

"This office will review SLED's official report when it is received. I see no reason to doubt SLED's conclusions, their professionalism, or objectivity.

"Maintaining public trust, complete transparency, and full public disclosure is vitally important. That is why today I called on Governor Sanford to immediately release his travel records to the media and public as promised.

"The people of this state have twice elected me Attorney General.

"Rightfully so, they expect me to make the right calls regardless of the political considerations. I will not duck or abuse my constitutional responsibilities merely to satisfy those who seek a politically motivated fishing expedition."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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