South Carolina Supreme Court

Public Reprimand for Former Judge James E. Crook

The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand to former Judge James E. Crook of Spartanburg County Magistrate Court. The reprimand stems from misconduct involving inappropriate behavior and the display of explicit images to a court employee. As part of the agreement, Crook has resigned and will not seek judicial office in the future.

SCDSS v. Rose Pandola - Non-Precedential Opinion Dismissed

The South Carolina Supreme Court has dismissed a writ of certiorari in the case of SCDSS v. Rose Pandola. This non-precedential opinion will not be cited or relied upon as precedent. The dismissal means the lower court's decision stands without further review by the Supreme Court.

Judicial Disciplinary Matter: Public Reprimand for Judge Curtis G. Clark

The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand to former Abbeville County Master-in-Equity, Judge Curtis G. Clark. The disciplinary action stems from an investigative article detailing instances where properties were deeded to his family members after they submitted the highest bids at foreclosure auctions.

In the Matter of David F. Stoddard - Attorney Disciplinary Matter

The South Carolina Supreme Court has suspended attorney David F. Stoddard for nine months following an Agreement for Discipline by Consent. This action addresses multiple pending complaints against the respondent, who has a prior disciplinary history.

Amazon Services v. South Carolina Department of Revenue - Sales Tax Assessment

The South Carolina Supreme Court affirmed a $12.49 million sales tax assessment against Amazon Services for the first quarter of 2016. The court ruled that Amazon was obligated to collect and remit sales taxes on behalf of third-party merchants selling products on its platform.

In the Matter of Darrell Scott Fisher - Judicial Suspension

The South Carolina Supreme Court has suspended Darrell Scott Fisher, a West Greenville Summary Court judge, for thirty days. This disciplinary action stems from an agreement by Fisher admitting misconduct during a hearing, including improper familiarity with a defendant and providing inappropriate instructions.

Estate of William Pratt v. Amisub of SC, Inc. - Certiorari Dismissed

The Supreme Court of South Carolina has dismissed a writ of certiorari in the case of Estate of William Pratt v. Amisub of SC, Inc. The court found the writ was improvidently granted, effectively upholding the lower court's decision without further review on the merits. This action pertains to appellate case number 2025-000563.

In the Matter of Tasha Jean Kotz - Attorney Discipline

The Supreme Court of South Carolina has suspended attorney Tasha Jean Kotz for six months following an Agreement for Discipline by Consent. The suspension stems from multiple disciplinary complaints alleging practice-related misconduct, including misrepresenting COVID-19 test results and disclosing client confidences online.

South Carolina Supreme Court Publicly Reprimands Mark Justin Josephs

The South Carolina Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded attorney Mark Justin Josephs for misconduct including billing discrepancies and failure to maintain financial records. The reprimand stems from an agreement where Josephs admitted to violations of professional conduct rules.

Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League v. SCDES - Natural Gas Pipeline Certification

The Supreme Court of South Carolina affirmed an administrative law court's order granting water quality certification for Dominion Energy's natural gas pipeline project. The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League had appealed the certification, which is necessary for the company to obtain a federal permit to construct the pipeline.