RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The former executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission, who was dismissed last month, has been detained in Richland County, according to jail records.

Howard Knapp has been booked into the Alvin Glenn Detention Center, facing 11 charges that include ethics violations, misconduct in office, and embezzlement, as revealed by the records.

Knapp was removed from his position on September 16, with Chairman Dennis Shedd citing a “desire for new leadership” as the reason for his departure.

However, during an October 15 meeting, Shedd disclosed that an investigation into a costly contract for new voting machines—originally valued at $28 million but escalating significantly—prompted the firings of Knapp and his deputy, along with the resignation of another employee.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division initiated an investigation into Knapp in March 2024, following a request from the attorney general’s office.

Knapp is scheduled for a court appearance at 2 p.m. for a bond hearing. Stay with Count on 2 for the latest updates.

The Associated Press contributed.