Rep. Pendarvis Faces Ethics Questions in Uncontested Re-Election Bid
South Carolina Representative Marvin Pendarvis, a Democrat seeking his fifth term, is facing a wave of controversy after the state Supreme Court suspended his law license on Friday. The suspension stems from a forgery complaint filed by a former client, Adrian Lewis.
Allegations of Unauthorized Settlement and Deception
Lewis alleges Pendarvis forged his signature to settle a lawsuit against the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for a measly $10,000. Lewis’ 2021 arrest had initially been valued at potentially $325,000 according to Pendarvis himself. Lewis’ new lawyer paints a picture of deceit, claiming Pendarvis ignored Lewis’ inquiries for weeks about the case’s progress.
Cash Settlement Offer and Text Message Trail Raise Red Flags
When Lewis finally learned of the lowball settlement, the situation allegedly escalated. Lewis’ lawsuit details Pendarvis offering a suspicious $75,000 cash settlement from his client trust fund to avoid further legal action. Text messages obtained by Lewis’ lawyer reportedly show Pendarvis attempting to dissuade Lewis from pursuing a lawsuit against him.
State Supreme Court Takes Action
The South Carolina Supreme Court’s swift suspension of Pendarvis’ law license underscores the seriousness of the forgery allegation. Pendarvis is barred from practicing law until the court issues a ruling on the matter.
Calls for Transparency and Potential Investigations
Voters in Pendarvis’ North Charleston district are demanding transparency. Some are calling for a full investigation into the allegations and urging Pendarvis to address the situation publicly.
Unopposed Re-Election Raises Concerns
Despite the ethical cloud hanging over him, Pendarvis remains unopposed in both the Democratic primary (June) and the general election (November). This lack of challengers raises concerns for some South Carolina residents who question his fitness to serve, particularly given the allegations of potential financial misconduct and a disregard for client trust.
