Columbia Community Reacts to E.W. Cromartie’s Pardon

News Summary

E.W. Cromartie, a former Columbia City Councilman, has been pardoned by President Biden, raising discussions among Columbia residents. Cromartie’s pardon restores his civil rights and erases his tax evasion conviction, which had previously affected his career and contributions to the community. After serving a lighter sentence for his crime, he has worked on community service initiatives and stayed engaged in local politics.

Columbia Community Reacts to E.W. Cromartie’s Pardon

In a surprising turn of events, former Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie has been granted a pardon by President Joe Biden. This significant decision was made during the president’s final hours in office on January 19, 2025, and raises many eyebrows and questions among the residents of Columbia.

A Bit of Background

Cromartie, an influential figure in Columbia’s political landscape, proudly served on the City Council for an impressive 27 years. However, his legacy took a hit when he pleaded guilty to tax evasion in April 2010. To break it down, Cromartie failed to pay over $25,000 in federal income taxes and admitted he crafted transactions worth over $200,000 to sidestep federal oversight. This led to legal trouble that could have resulted in a lengthy prison sentence of up to 25 years. Instead, he received a much lighter sentence of one year and one day, serving only nine months of that in federal prison followed by some time under home detention.

The consequences of his conviction were serious, as the South Carolina Supreme Court revoked his law license in 2012, making it difficult for him to return to his previous career as a lawyer. Despite this setback, Cromartie has tried to reenter public life, making an attempt in 2016 to fill a citizen representative position, though he was unsuccessful.

A Pardon and a New Beginning

The recent pardon erases Cromartie’s conviction from the record and restores his full civil rights. It appears that President Biden’s office acknowledged Cromartie’s contributions to community service and public engagement since his release as key factors behind the decision. After his release from prison, Cromartie didn’t just sit idle—he established a scholarship aimed at assisting underprivileged youth and remained actively involved in his church.

Political Connections and Community Engagement

Cromartie’s network in the political arena is quite extensive. He has built strong relationships with prominent figures such as Congressman Jim Clyburn and former Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. His political journey began in 1983 when he became one of the first African-Americans elected to the Columbia City Council, paving the way for future leaders in the community.

A Lasting Legacy

His family continues to make strides in local government, with his son, E.W. Cromartie III, currently serving as the chairman of the City of Columbia’s affordable housing board. Cromartie is also behind a consulting agency that focuses on fostering collaboration for large development projects, indicating his ongoing commitment to improving the city.

What’s Next for Cromartie?

Interestingly, Cromartie applied for a pardon not once but twice: first in 2016 under President Obama and again in 2024. His demand for forgiveness demonstrates an unwavering desire to move on from his criminal past. When we look at the numbers, the FBI pointed out that his tax evasion accounted for more than $58,000 in unpaid taxes—when adjusted for inflation, that’s approximately $100,000 today. The lifting of this legal burden allows Cromartie the chance to fully embrace his role as a community leader again.

Wrapping it Up

The pardon of E.W. Cromartie has certainly prompted discussions throughout Columbia. Many are curious about what the future holds for this former councilman who has had both triumphs and failures throughout his career. As the community watches closely, it remains to be seen how Cromartie will channel his experiences into future endeavors, as he continues to champion for the residents of Columbia.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

President Biden Grants Pardon to Former Columbia Councilman

Additional Resources

• WIS TV: Biden Issues Last Minute Pardon for Former Columbia City Councilman
• WACH: Biden Pardons Former Columbia Councilman Cromartie
• Post and Courier: Biden Pardon for City Councilman
• Charlotte Observer: Biden’s Actions in His Final Hours
• Wikipedia

Author: HERE Lexington