Two SCDOT Employees Indicted in Corruption Probe

Prosecutors allege officials took cash from contractors awarded taxpayer-funded projects

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that a statewide grand jury has returned multiple public corruption indictments against two former South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) employees. James Murray Cooper and Curtis Sims Jr. are accused of taking money from private contractors who received lucrative government work funded by taxpayers.

Why it matters

Public corruption cases tied to procurement and contracting have long been a concern in South Carolina, particularly in agencies that distribute large infrastructure budgets. This case raises questions about whether state employees exploited their positions to steer or reward contract work in exchange for personal financial gain, undermining fair competition for taxpayer-funded projects.

The details

According to the indictments, Cooper, who served as a technical advisor and compliance manager within SCDOT's Minority Small Business Affairs Office, unlawfully received thousands of dollars from a private contractor awarded millions in SCDOT contract work. Sims Jr., formerly a training safety and security program manager in SCDOT's Office of Public Transport, is accused of accepting thousands of dollars from another contractor that had received more than $1 million in public funds.

  • On February 13, 2026, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the indictments.

The players

Alan Wilson

The Attorney General of South Carolina who announced the indictments.

James Murray Cooper

A former SCDOT employee who is accused of unlawfully receiving thousands of dollars from a private contractor awarded millions in SCDOT contract work.

Curtis Sims Jr.

A former SCDOT employee who is accused of accepting thousands of dollars from a contractor that had received more than $1 million in public funds.

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What they’re saying

“Today's indictments send a message that all South Carolina businesses will compete for state contracts on equal grounds. We will continue to target the misuse of state funds and unlawful preferential treatment that harms honest South Carolina business owners and employees who play by the rules.”

— Alan Wilson, South Carolina Attorney General (fitsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Cooper and Sims Jr. out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of rooting out public corruption in South Carolina, particularly in agencies responsible for awarding lucrative government contracts. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure fair and transparent procurement processes that protect taxpayer funds.