Kershaw County — Fifth Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson is conducting an internal investigation about allegations concerning former Assistant Solicitor Ron Moak.

When the investigation is finished, it will be turned over to SLED and a lawyers’ grievance agency for “any action they deem appropriate,” solicitor’s office spokeswoman Nicole Holland said Tuesday.

Moak, who is based in Kershaw County and was assistant solicitor for 12 years, resigned Dec. 10 as a result of Johnson’s investigation, according to a release Tuesday by Johnson’s office.

Allegations about Moak that led to his resignation involve his alleged intervention in the DUI case of a friend, first to deliver her to the Kershaw County jail and secondly, to request a lowered bond for her, according to Johnson.

Solicitors, who prosecute many DUI cases, need to be impartial in administering justice and to be seen by the public as such, Johnson said.

-- John Monk