Former Lexington GOP leader faces charges of embezzlement

Substantial funds allegedly embezzled

A prominent political figure in Lexington, South Carolina has found himself in hot water facing serious charges related to financial misconduct. Former Lexington County Republican Party Chairman, Craig Caldwell, stands accused of embezzling over $100,000 from the County GOP and another civic organization. Following an investigation requested by the County GOP, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) issued a warrant outlining the charges filed against Caldwell.

The warrants, which state two counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent surpassing the value of $10,000, reveal that Caldwell had served as chairman of the Lexington County GOP from 2016 up until April of 2023. His successor, former Chairwoman Pamela Godwin, experienced a shaky tenure due to a party split last year, resulting in her eventual removal by the state party.

Detailed account of misconduct

Caldwell’s charges primarily concern his alleged theft amounting to $61,591 from the Lexington party’s bank account. The transactions, a total of 147, reportedly happened between 2018 and 2023, directly moved into his personal account. SLED’s warrant, released on July 12, presents Caldwell’s confession to forging monthly transfer reports to cover his tracks, submitting these falsified documents to the other party members.

Furthermore, the warrant elaborates on an additional misconduct between May 16, 2023, and March 23, 2024. During this period, Caldwell allegedly embezzled $52,300 from the Lexington Rotary Club Foundation while he held the position of treasurer. The warrant suggests Caldwell wrote 11 checks to himself from the foundation’s account and manipulated accounting records to evade detection.

Party’s reaction and plans

In a subsequent press release, the current party Chairman, Mark Weber, declared that the party would respect the county solicitor’s decision concerning the criminal charges. However, Weber strongly advocates for Caldwell’s repayment of the stolen funds to the Lexington County GOP. He further divulged that the disgraced chairman hasn’t attended any party functions since his removal in April of 2023.

Shock and disappointment within the party

The charges against Caldwell came as a shock to many within the party, including Senator Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington, who expressing shock and disappointment conveyed her dismay to the public. Despite speaking to Caldwell, Shealy claimed he provided no indications of his impending charges and appeared calm, increasing the shock factor of the accusations against him.

As the legal proceedings against Caldwell continue, the Lexington County Republican Party and the Lexington citizens await a fair resolution and justice.