Indictments Allege Kickback Scheme at South Carolina State

Federal indictments unsealed Thursday charged that Jonathan Pinson, former chair of the board of South Carolina State University, conspired with a local businessman and the then-police chief of the university to have South Carolina State buy property and steer contracts to certain businesses, The State reported. Federal authorities who were investigating the men intervened to prevent the purchase of the property. Pinson's lawyer has denied the charges. But Michael Bartley, the former police chief, has admitted guilt and is awaiting sentencing.