FBI probes North Charleston's mismanaged anti-violence program

In February 2024, an investigation by reporters revealed issues in a North Charleston program aimed at reducing gun violence. The city spent $1.3 million on 13 nonprofits, but officials failed to properly vet them or track the funds' effectiveness. Following the investigation, the FBI launched a probe into the program, leading to public corruption charges against three city council members and five others. Some individuals have pleaded guilty, including a former council member who admitted to accepting kickbacks. The reporters used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain records, uncovering significant mismanagement in the program. Their findings highlighted a lack of oversight and documentation, raising concerns about how taxpayer money was utilized.