Across South Carolina

FEC closes investigation into senator's former aide

ANDERSON --- The Federal Election Commission says it has closed its investigation into a former aide to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The FEC announced Friday that Jennifer Adams had signed a conciliation agreement admitting she violated federal campaign finance laws and had paid a civil penalty of $2,500.

In November, a judge sentenced Ms. Adams to 18 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to taking $280,000 from the Republican's campaign accounts. She was ordered to pay back the money.

Prosecutors said Ms. Adams took the money from Mr. Graham's campaign for several years starting in 2002, when she worked as his campaign administrator.

Graham campaign manager Scott Farmer says the campaign is glad the matter is over.

37 arrested in cockfighting bust in Hampton County

HAMPTON --- Authorities say 37 have been cited for cockfighting after a bust in South Carolina.

Hampton County sheriff's spokeswoman Shellie Murdaugh said people from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Mexico were arrested about 9 a.m. Saturday.

First offense cockfighting is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum fine of $1,000. A judge set $500 bond for each defendant Saturday.

Couple's deaths inside burning SUV ruled suicide

BISHOPVILLE --- Authorities say two people whose bodies were found in a burning vehicle in rural South Carolina committed suicide.

Lee County Maj. Daniel Simon says Douglas Farrell Clements, 63, and Linda F. Clements, 60, were identified Friday. Maj. Simon says authorities found a suicide note at the couple's home and believe they died by inhaling carbon monoxide.

Maj. Simon said a bale of hay found underneath the couple's vehicle might have been used to start the fire.

The burning SUV was spotted Monday afternoon near a state park.