News Summary
North Charleston Councilman Mike Brown remains on salary during his suspension linked to a federal corruption investigation. Despite being indicted on bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges, state law allows him to retain his pay until a conviction. The vacant District 1 council seat has gone unfilled for over four months as new members step in following the resignations of others charged in the same case. Mayor Burgess commits to addressing residents’ concerns during this tumultuous time.
North Charleston – Councilman Mike Brown continues to receive his salary during his suspension amid an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Indicted in late February 2025, Brown has faced serious charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy. His suspension was ordered by Governor Henry McMaster due to what has been described as “moral turpitude” associated with the charges against him.
Despite being suspended from his duties, Brown is still collecting an annual salary and benefits totaling $23,260, which could amount to nearly $70,000 if the matter remains unresolved until the end of his term in November 2027. During his absence, North Charleston’s District 1 has not had a representative present for city council meetings for over four months.
The council seat for District 1 remains vacant, following the resignation of fellow council members Jerome Heyward and Sandino Moses, who both pleaded guilty to related charges in February 2025. To fill the void created by their departures, new council members Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley and Chris Emde were elected in a special election.
According to Eric Shytle, the general counsel with the Municipal Association of South Carolina, state law stipulates that an indicted council member cannot be removed from office until they have been convicted. This legal framework allows Brown to retain his salary despite the ongoing investigation and the serious allegations he faces.
In previous cases, other council members suspended by Governor McMaster due to criminal charges have sometimes returned to their positions within a year after legal resolutions. Brown’s case will eventually be addressed in court, but until its resolution, he is barred from voting or attending council meetings.
In light of the ongoing situation, Mayor Reggie Burgess has pledged to attend civic meetings within District 1 to address the concerns of residents left without their elected representative. This commitment aims to ensure that the voices of District 1 residents continue to be heard during this turbulent period.
North Charleston remains steadfast in adhering to state law regarding qualifications and suspensions of council members. The city administration is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, with the focus on maintaining governance and representation for the citizens of District 1.
As the investigation progresses, the eyes of the public remain on Brown’s pending trial, as community members express concern over the continuing receipt of salary by an official facing serious criminal charges. The implications of these developments will undoubtedly affect the local political landscape and the trust placed in public officials moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Charleston SC 10-Day Forecast
- ABC News 4: Lowcountry Local Government Updates
- Post and Courier: Cold Weather Advisory Extended
- Wikipedia: North Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: North Charleston SC Government Corruption Investigation
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
