An ex-state official negotiated $1.57 million from agencies and nonprofits for public service billboards.

The money went to a billboard industry trade group, although much of it was not used for billboards.

Instead, at least $450,000 went into political donations and legislative lobbying.

Another $142,500 went to SC Department of Transportation Commissioner John Hardee in consulting fees, according to federal income-tax returns and state lobbying reports filed by the Outdoor Advertising Association of South Carolina.

Hardee represented Lexington County as a commissioner. His name adorns signs on the Columbia Metro Airport’s expressway.

He is a son-in-law of powerful state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, the Senate Finance Committee chairman.

Leatherman served on a committee that nominated Hardee for his state job.

It’s unclear whether:

• Any state or federal laws were violated.

• Agencies and nonprofits that paid Hardee knew how he was using their money.

State agencies and nonprofits can’t legally donate to influence elections.

Hardee, an executive with Lamar Advertising billboard company, in January agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of attempted evidence tampering but no details were publicly released.

Federal prosecutors have filed documents revealing that an unnamed witness admitted he paid Hardee as a commissioner to gain state highway contracts.

Prosecutors agreed to probation for Hardee because they couldn’t prove the witness’ allegations even though Hardee was recorded as telling the witness to destroy documents “before the FBI could find them.”

Prosecutors declined to discuss Hardee’s case.

Hardee did not respond to phone and written requests to comment on his case.

State law prohibits public officials from accepting bribes to influence official decisions, including a law dealing specifically with DOT commissioners.

The felony offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on conviction.

Brundrett is the news editor of The Nerve. Contact him at 803-254-4411 or rick@the-nerve.org .