COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – A former South Carolina lawmaker has pleaded guilty to a charge related to accusations that he inappropriately touched a woman.
Nelson Hardwick, who once represented Horry County in the state House, entered the guilty plea Nov. 18 to a charge of third-degree assault and battery, according to online court records.
The State newspaper in Columbia reports that the 65-year-old who lives in Surfside Beach was sentenced to a fine of $300 in addition to more than $400 in other court-related fees.
An indictment had accused Hardwick of using his position to lure a young House employee to his office and inappropriately touch her. He resigned his seat in 2015.
An attorney for Hardwick didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment on Saturday.
