Rose Emily Lorenzo, Public Corruption, South Carolina 2021
Rose Emily Lorenzo, a 64-year-old woman from North Carolina, has been hit with additional charges in a public corruption scheme in North Charleston, South Carolina. According to a federal indictment, Lorenzo knowingly made false statements to the FBI and falsified records in a federal investigation.
The superseding indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in Charleston, alleges that Lorenzo made a false statement to the FBI by telling them that she was not aware of funds from two non-profits being transferred to a member of the North Charleston City Council. The indictment also alleges that Lorenzo knowingly falsified records and documents with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the related federal investigations.
Lorenzo was initially charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering in February 2021.
The case 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 prosecuting the case.
Lorenzo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. She will be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Molly H. Cherry on September 25 at 10:00 a.m.
All charges in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and Lorenzo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The public corruption scheme has been ongoing for several years, and the indictment marks a significant development in the case. Lorenzo's alleged actions have sparked outrage in the community and highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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