CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina authorities found no evidence of wrongdoing in an investigation into the finances of Emanuel AME Church, which received millions in donations after a racist attack that killed nine worshippers.
State Law Enforcement Division spokesman Tommy Crosby tells reporters that the review completed Monday found no evidence supporting claims of criminal violations. Concerns over the handling of donations arose soon after the 2015 attack. The probe launched last month.
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Some victims’ families had reported that mail addressed to them but sent to the church later arrived at their homes opened and empty. The church's former secretary, Althea Latham, said she was fired for questioning donation handling. Church leaders said her contract simply wasn’t renewed. An auditor hired by the church didn’t review the entirety of the church’s finances.