South Carolina woman pleads guilty to grant-related bribery and money laundering

Michelle Stent-Hilton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery involving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, bribery involving federal funds and money laundering, according to the US Department of Justice. She admitted agreeing to pay a 20% kickback in connection with DEEP SC’s application for city grant funding.

The DOJ said the payment was routed through a bookkeeper to a former North Charleston councilmember’s bank account, and that the councilmember voted on grant awards without disclosing the agreement. Stent-Hilton has not yet been sentenced and faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine, restitution and supervised release.