News Summary
Steven Dewitt Clough, a 65-year-old former print shop manager at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, has been charged with breach of trust and obtaining property under false pretenses. Allegations include misusing state resources for personal profit, amounting to over $2,200 in misappropriated resources. Clough has been detained as the case raises concerns over the integrity of public service roles and the misuse of taxpayer funds.
West Columbia, South Carolina – Steven Dewitt Clough, a 65-year-old former employee of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD), has been charged with breach of trust and obtaining property under false pretenses by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). These charges arise from allegations of misusing state resources for personal profit during his tenure at SCVRD.
Clough served as the print shop manager for SCVRD from August 12, 2020, to September 30, 2024. According to the charges, he allegedly exploited SCVRD’s property and resources for the benefit of his own business, The Print Shop of South Carolina LLC. Investigations have revealed that he utilized print shop facilities, along with paper products and printing ink, to produce items that were marketed and sold through his private business.
The total estimated value of the resources Clough allegedly misappropriated from SCVRD is approximately $2,241.59. It is reported that he not only used state materials but also received gift cards and personal favors in exchange for items printed with SCVRD facilities. Furthermore, he generated about $6,114.57 in sales to an undisclosed individual or business, using state resources illegally.
Following the charges, Clough has been detained at the Lexington County Detention Center. The allegations against him have raised significant concerns regarding the misuse of state resources and the integrity of public service roles.
Misappropriation of state resources is a serious issue, as it undermines taxpayer trust and the proper funding of public programs. The SCVRD is a state agency dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities gain meaningful employment and independence through vocational rehabilitation services. Such alleged misuse of resources not only impacts the agency’s ability to perform its mission but also casts a shadow over the conduct of its employees.
In recent years, instances of public employees misusing government resources for personal gain have become a growing concern in South Carolina and other states. These cases often lead to a loss in public trust and a demand for better oversight and accountability measures to ensure that taxpayer funds are managed ethically and responsibly.
As the case progresses, further information may emerge regarding Clough’s actions and the extent of the misuse of state resources. The implications of this situation may prompt discussions on the necessity for stricter regulations and monitoring of public employees and their use of state facilities and resources.
Clough will face legal proceedings in connection to the charges filed against him. The outcome of this case may serve as a pivotal moment for discussions surrounding the importance of ethical behavior within public service and the safeguarding of public resources.
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