North Charleston, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Michelle Stent-Hilton has pleaded guilty to various corruption charges, potentially facing 65 years in prison. Her involvement with DEEP SC and a former city council member highlights systemic issues in grant management. Stent-Hilton’s cooperation could lead to a reduced sentence as investigations continue into bribery and money laundering.
North Charleston
Michelle Stent-Hilton is facing a possible prison sentence of up to 65 years after pleading guilty to numerous charges in a high-profile corruption case related to the handling of grant funds in North Charleston. The charges include a range of offenses such as conspiracy to commit bribery, honest service wire fraud, removal of funds from programs receiving federal money, bribery, and money laundering.
Stent-Hilton, who has connections with the non-profit organization DEEP SC, served as a personal assistant to former North Charleston City Councilman Jerome Heyward. Central to the case is an allegation that she promised Heyward a share of grant funds in exchange for his essential vote in support of the funding’s distribution. The grants, aimed at reducing gun violence, were applied for by DEEP SC in the spring of 2022.
In November 2022, the North Charleston Finance Committee convened to evaluate the grant applications. Heyward ultimately voted to recommend a $100,000 award for DEEP SC but failed to disclose his prior agreement with Stent-Hilton. Reports indicate that under their arrangement, Stent-Hilton agreed to provide Heyward with a 20% kickback from any awarded grants, translating to approximately $40,000.
Initially, Stent-Hilton had entered a plea of not guilty on March 11, 2025, but later changed her plea amidst ongoing investigations into corruption. The scope of these investigations resulted in charges against eight individuals in February 2025, including three former city council members. Prosecutors have also highlighted the role of a financial entity, Lorenzo Financial Services, owned by Rose Emily Lorenzo, as a conduit for money laundering in this case. Stent-Hilton specifically is accused of laundering $20,000, with money being funneled from DEEP SC to the financial service before reaching Heyward.
As part of her plea agreement, Stent-Hilton has committed to cooperating with ongoing investigations, which may grant her a reduced sentence in exchange for her testimony against co-conspirators. If found guilty on all remaining charges, she could face fines up to $2 million and a potential overall jail term of up to 85 years.
The scandal surrounding Stent-Hilton and her associates draws attention to wider issues in the management of grant programs intended to address pressing social challenges, such as gun violence. The case also intersects with other bribery allegations regarding property development within the city, leading to increasing scrutiny of practices by local government officials.
Stent-Hilton’s sentencing will take place after the compilation of pre-sentencing reports and victim impact statements, which are crucial in determining the final outcomes of the case. Meanwhile, other defendants involved in this investigation include former council members and non-profit leaders, many of whom have already accepted plea deals.
FAQ
What charges has Michelle Stent-Hilton pleaded guilty to?
Michelle Stent-Hilton has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, honest service wire fraud, theft from programs receiving federal funds, bribery, and money laundering.
What is the potential sentence for Stent-Hilton?
She faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison and potential fines up to $2 million if convicted on all charges.
What does her plea agreement involve?
As part of her plea agreement, Stent-Hilton has agreed to cooperate with ongoing investigations, which could lead to a reduced sentence for her cooperation against co-conspirators.
Who are the other defendants in this case?
The case involves eight individuals, including three former city council members and leaders of non-profit organizations, several of whom have already pleaded guilty.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Michelle Stent-Hilton |
| Pleaded Guilty | Yes, to multiple charges |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 65 years in prison |
| Charges | Bribery, fraud, money laundering, and theft |
| Co-defendants | Three former council members and others |
| Cooperation | Agreed to cooperate with ongoing investigations |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: 6th Person Enters Guilty Pleas in North Charleston Corruption Case
- Count On 2: Former North Charleston City Councilman’s Personal Assistant Pleads Guilty
- ABC News 4: Woman Faces 65 Years for Role in North Charleston Corruption Case
- Wikipedia: Corruption
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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