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
CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
