As an example of just how widespread S.C. government corruption runs, a Beaufort County Administrator is now being pursued for sexual misconduct while in office.
Four days after being put on paid administrative leave and two days after Lisa Lynch made accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation against him, Eric Greenway was terminated with cause Friday by the Beaufort County Council in a 10-0 vote. Since his involvement in a criminal investigation for alleged misconduct was announced, he has been at the center of controversy. Details about the claimed misconduct and inquiry have not been revealed. On Wednesday, Lynch stated that she had given testimony to the investigators and would be a witness. Furthermore, she asserted that Greenway sexually harassed her for some months and that when she refused any romantic relationship with him, her county job was taken away as retaliatory action. She also pointed out that her willingness to provide information to the investigators could also be construed as reason for such retribution.
At the third special purpose meeting this week, the council left the dais and went into executive session. After an hour of discussion, a vote was passed approving Greenway’s immediate dismissal. Councilperson York Glover was absent from the meeting. The council regarded it as “termination for cause,” which meant they felt they had enough justification for termination without paying extra compensation or a severance package. As per his employment agreement, “without cause” firing would have resulted in Greenway receiving one year of salary worthy $210,000. There was no talk regarding reasons for this action. “This still is a personnel matter and we are advised by our legal council that we cannot talk about it,” Council Chairman Passiment declared. Later on, he added “We would not have taken the action unless we believed it was the right thing to do.” Greenway had signed the five-year contract on June 17 2021 and there were nearly three years left in the agreement
Greenway’s termination from his position with Passiment is official, per the employee agreement signed in June 2021. According to the agreement: conviction of a crime involving improper gain, a crime of moral turpitude, illness or disability, or refusal or neglect to perform duties are all deemed grounds for immediate firing. John Robinson will serve as interim administrator while the council searches for Greenway’s permanent replacement. Regarding investigations into misconduct, Jeff Kidd declined to comment; suggesting it will move forward until further notice.