Treasurer Ravenel faces cocaine charge

COLUMBIA -- A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel on a charge of distributing cocaine.

Ravenel, a Lowcountry developer and former GOP U.S. Senate candidate who won public office for the first time in the November Treasurer's race, is accused of involvement in a conspiracy that began in late 2005, according to the indictment.

Ravenel, 44, was suspended from his post, which oversees the state's financial business.

Scott Malyerck, Ravenel's spokesman, referred reporters to Ravenel's attorney, John Collins of Charleston. Collins could not be reached for comment.

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Suspended treasurer in Arizona rehab center

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press
Friday, June 29, 2007


COLUMBIA — State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, suspended after an indictment last week on a cocaine distribution charge, has entered a 30-day rehabilitation program in Arizona, according to a court document filed Thursday.

A lawyer for Ravenel said in a letter to the judge that Ravenel will not attend his July 9 court appearance because he is in rehab.

The letter to Magistrate Joseph McCrorey was accompanied by a note from Ravenel's doctor, who referred the Charleston developer to rehab. Neither the letter nor the note said when Ravenel began his treatment or gave further details.

A message left for Ravenel attorney's, Bart Daniel, was not returned Thursday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin McDonald said he wasn't concerned that Ravenel would not be present for his arraignment. "I'm confident the hearing will go forward," McDonald said.

Ravenel and another man are charged with conspiracy to distribute less than 500 grams, or about 1.1 pounds, of cocaine between 2005 and last week. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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