CHARLESTON, S.C. — Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, of Goose Creek, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, along with other charges. The grim revelations in the investigation exposed a sinister scheme involving former North Charleston City Councilmember Jerome Sydney Heyward.
Stent-Hilton conspired with Heyward and others to pay kickbacks for his support of her non-profit, DEEP SC’s grant application. Heyward was serving on the City Council at the time, representing District 5. In 2022, North Charleston awarded grants to non-profits aimed at reducing gun violence, and Stent-Hilton sought funding through DEEP SC.
In a shocking turn of events, Heyward voted twice in favor of granting funds to DEEP SC without disclosing his kickback arrangement. Once the $100,000 arrived, Stent-Hilton purchased a cashier’s check for $20,000, which was then funneled to Heyward via bookkeeper Rose Lorenzo. The kickback was laundered through Lorenzo’s account to mask the transaction.
Stent-Hilton now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. She also awaits restitution and three years of supervision following her imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel will sentence her after reviewing the U.S. Probation Office’s report.
This sordid affair was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse are spearheading the prosecution.
RELATED: Illegal Immigrant Ruiz-Perez Pleads Guilty to Counterfeiting
RELATED: Carter Pleads Guilty to Meth and Fentanyl Distribution
Related Federal Cases
- Lottery Scam Kingpins Sentenced in SC · South Carolina
- SC Attorney Meehan Jailed in UA Sorority Scam · Alabama
- Tyrone Goodrum Convicted in $18.5K Farm Aid Scam · South Carolina
- Darlene Henderson Sentenced for Wire Fraud in FHA Loan Scam · South Carolina
- Marvin Songlin Gets 4 Years in Lottery Scam · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
