Two SC transportation department managers indicted on public corruption
Two former employees with the South Carolina Department of Transportation were indicted on public corruption charges, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.
The state grand jury handed down a seven-count indictment against James Murray Cooper and Curtis Sims Jr., after authorities say the men secretly pocketed thousands of dollars from private contractors that were awarded millions of dollars of contract work from SCDOT, according to a news release.
Cooper, who worked as a technical advisor and compliance manager in the Minority Small Business Affairs Office at the department, faces one count of use of official position or office for financial gain and one count of acceptance of rebates or extra compensation, according the release. He could serve up to 6 years in prison and a $500 fine if convicted.
Sims, who served as a training safety and security program manager in the Office of Public Transport at SCDOT, faces one count of use of official position or office for financial gain, three counts of acceptance of rebates or extra compensation and one count of receiving anything of value to influence action of a public official. If convicted, Sims faces a maximum of 26 years in prison and an $11,500 fine.
In addition to the Attorney General’s Office, SLED, the state grand jury, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and leadership at SCDOT assisted in the investigation.
This story was originally published February 12, 2026 at 5:24 PM.
