SC Fiscal Authority Approves $6 Million Settlement Offer for Prison Riot Victims
“The South Carolina Department of Corrections has received approval to offer a $6 million settlement to the victims of a deadly 2018 riot at Lee Correctional Institution. The State Fiscal Accountability Authority a five member board consisting of the governor, House and Senate budget chairmen, the comptroller general and the state treasurer voted 4-0 to approve the settlement offer. House Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith recused himself from voting because his law firm is involved in the litigation over the riot,” reports Emily Bohatch in The State.
“The Department of Corrections was seeking money for the settlement after facing more than 80 lawsuits following a deadly 2018 prison riot at the Lee Correctional Institution, which was named the deadliest in the United States in the last 25 years. Though the board approved a $6 million settlement option, that settlement is not yet finalized. Plaintiffs in the lawsuits could reject the offer. There was no public discussion on the settlement. Board members reviewed terms of the offer in executive session, which is not open to the public.”