Republican S.C. state treasurer Thomas Ravenel has been suspended over an indictment accusing him of distribution of cocaine.

The investigation started before Ravenel was elected, but State Law Enforcement Division officers didn’t have enough evidence yet to charge him.

He is accused of purchasing drugs from Michael Miller and wasn’t selling the drugs, but rather, was giving them away.

A quote from Governor Mark Sanford, also a Republican:

“Given the grave nature of these charges and what is alleged in this indictment, we’re left with no choice but to suspend Treasurer Ravenel immediately,” Governor Mark Sanford said in a written release. “These are obviously very serious allegations that we’re constitutionally bound to act upon, and they’ll ultimately be decided by the courts.”

The governor quoted Article VI, Section 8 of the South Carolina Constitution, giving him the power to suspend statewide, county or city officials indicted on criminal charges for crimes of “moral turpitude,” generally understood to mean crimes that involve acts of fraud, deception or other morally culpable conduct.

Sanford said he plans to make a decision on an interim appointment as soon as possible.

The Ravenel name is well-known in the Palmetto state, as I remember hearing the name in elections going back to when I moved here.

Ravenel was Giuliani’s campaign manager in South Carolina.

A comment from the Republican party spokesperson:

State Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson released the following statement:

“The charges brought against State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel today are very serious. This is a personal matter that will be dealt with through appropriate legal channels. We hope this unfortunate situation is resolved quickly.”

Here is the Democratic party’s response:

“In only a few months, Thomas Ravenel has gone from spoiled rich kid buying his way into office to common street criminal. He is an embarrassment to the state and an embarrassment to the Office of Treasurer. It’s a shame that Grady Patterson - an absolutely honorable man and a true patriot - was replaced by Thomas Ravenel as State Treasurer.”

Note to the Democratic Party: He may very well be found guilty in court, but at this time our constitution presumes him innocent until proven guilty and you should correct your statement to reflect that.