Ozmint responds to audit

The Greenville News

Corrections Director Jon Ozmint's response to a Legislative Audit Council review of his agency is vitriolic and, at times, petulant. It also raises serious charges about the LAC's integrity that warrant a response from state leaders.

It's important to note that LAC's review of the Corrections Department was unremarkable. The agency essentially dismissed every charge made by Sen. Phil Leventis and members of the Senate Corrections and Penology Committee, who requested the audit because of allegations by current and former employees that ranged from security mishaps to abuse of inmates and misuse of resources. In essence, it vindicated Ozmint.

Ozmint's response, however, strikes at LAC for not disclosing Leventis' role in the audit. In his official written comments that are included as part of the audit, Ozmint said the Sumter senator unduly influenced the audit during the process and that the agency didn't always obey auditing rules.

These serious charges need to be addressed to preserve the integrity and reputation of this respected organization. …

For its part, the General Assembly has a duty to look into Leventis' involvement in this audit. It needs to ensure no lawmaker is attempting to unduly influence an objective, independent audit. Any who do need to be disciplined.

This review should have put to rest questions about the Corrections Department. Leventis and Ozmint — now with the help of Sanford and the General Assembly who, to act responsibly, need to look into Ozmint's charges — should let the results of this report put an end to what has become an unbecoming and distracting feud.