Ex-state transportation official John Hardee can’t seem to escape trouble.

After receiving a slap on the wrist on federal evidence tampering charges:

• Hardee was jailed Monday after being accused of violating probation by offering an internet prostitute $40.

• His name appears destined to be removed from signs at Columbia Metro Airport proclaiming John Hardee Expressway.

The Transportation Commission and Airport Commission were to discuss removing his name.

• He faces a State Law Enforcement Division probe based on a federal investigation’s findings.

SC Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office confirmed to the Chronicle that he has asked SLED Chief Mark Keel to review the federal case for possible state charges.

Wilson’s office called the investigation a “preliminary inquiry” to see if more investigation and charges are needed.

The federal documents discussed in court may contain more details about the unidentified contractor who allegedly paid Hardee and what the former commissioner did for him.

Hardee pleaded guilty to trying to destroy evidence in the investigation and was sentenced to a $1,000 fine, 45 days of home confinement and 40 hours of community service.

Critics asked if that was all the court could do to powerful Sen. Hugh Leatherman’s son-in-law.

FBI officials said Hardee committed no federal crime but broke the law when he told a contractor to destroy emails between the 2 of them.