January 23, 2026

North Charleston Mayor Addresses Corruption Challenges

North Charleston, January 23, 2026

Mayor Reggie Burgess of North Charleston has publicly addressed the ongoing federal corruption charges impacting the city, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and integrity in governance. Highlighting the importance of public trust, he reassured residents of his dedication to maintaining ethical standards within the administration. Amidst recent legal challenges involving multiple city council members charged with bribery and kickbacks, Mayor Burgess aims to guide the city through this tumultuous period while ensuring robust city operations.

North Charleston Mayor Addresses Ongoing Corruption Challenges and City Leadership

North Charleston, SC – Mayor Reggie Burgess recently addressed the ongoing challenges posed by federal corruption charges within the city and reiterated his commitment to leadership and public trust. His statements, made within the last 48 hours, highlighted his focus on guiding South Carolina’s third-largest city forward amidst the legal proceedings that have impacted municipal governance.

Mayor Burgess’s Stance and Background

Mayor Burgess, who brings 34 years of experience in law enforcement to his role, has served two years at the helm of North Charleston. In his recent remarks, he emphasized his dedication to maintaining integrity and stability within the city’s administration. He spoke about his vision for North Charleston’s future, stressing transparency and accountability as core principles during this period. The mayor’s continued focus is on ensuring city operations remain robust and responsive to the needs of its residents, despite the significant public attention on the corruption cases.

Details of the Federal Corruption Charges

The mayor’s recent address comes nearly a year after federal authorities unsealed indictments revealing widespread corruption schemes within North Charleston. In February 2025, eight individuals were charged in connection with these public corruption schemes. Among those charged were three North Charleston City Councilmen: Jerome Heyward, Mike A. Brown, and Sandino Moses.

The charges brought against these individuals include bribery and accepting kickbacks. The investigation, which brought these schemes to light, involved collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The charges underscore serious allegations of misconduct by public officials entrusted with serving the city’s residents. Mayor Burgess had initially read a prepared statement following a City Council meeting in February 2025, shortly after the charges against the council members were announced, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the city’s commitment to cooperate with federal investigators.

Impact on City Governance and Moving Forward

The federal investigation and subsequent charges have inevitably drawn attention to the ethical standards of public service in North Charleston. Mayor Burgess’s latest statements serve as a reaffirmation of his administration’s efforts to uphold integrity and rebuild public confidence. The city continues to navigate the complexities arising from these legal challenges, with a declared emphasis on ethical governance and ensuring that the functions of city government remain uninterrupted and effective for its citizens. This situation highlights the importance of robust oversight and ethical conduct in all levels of public office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the North Charleston Mayor’s recent statement about?

North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess recently addressed the ongoing challenges posed by federal corruption charges within the city and reiterated his commitment to leadership and public trust.

Who was charged in the North Charleston corruption schemes?

Eight individuals were charged in connection with public corruption schemes in North Charleston, including three City Councilmen: Jerome Heyward, Mike A. Brown, and Sandino Moses.

What were the charges against the City Councilmen?

The charges brought against the City Councilmen included bribery and accepting kickbacks.

When did the corruption charges against the City Councilmen occur?

The federal corruption charges were made in February 2025.

Which federal agency was involved in the North Charleston corruption investigation?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was involved in the collaboration to bring these schemes to light.

How long has Reggie Burgess served as North Charleston’s Mayor?

Reggie Burgess has served two years as the Mayor of North Charleston.

Key Features of the North Charleston Corruption Case

Feature	Description	Scope
Mayor’s Recent Statement	Addressed ongoing corruption charges and commitment to leadership.	City-level
Total Individuals Charged	8 individuals.	City-level
City Councilmen Charged	Jerome Heyward, Mike A. Brown, Sandino Moses.	City-level
Nature of Charges	Bribery and accepting kickbacks.	City-level
Investigating Agency	Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).	Nationwide (acting on a City-level case)
Date of Charges	February 2025.	City-level
Mayor Reggie Burgess’s Experience	34 years in law enforcement.	City-level (background for a City official)
North Charleston’s Ranking in SC	South Carolina’s third-largest city.	State-level