Former Charleston County School District executive director John Cobb filed a federal lawsuit under the False Claims Act, alleging the district misused federal funds by skirting protocols and diverting them from intended uses. This follows his June 2024 claims, which prompted an external investigation that found no substantiation, leading to his July 2024 termination.​
District Response
A district spokesman dismissed the suit as baseless from a disgruntled ex-employee, noting the U.S. government declined to intervene after review, signaling no credible fraud evidence. Cobb had also alleged a hostile work environment, splitting the school board during related discussions.
Background Context
The claims tie into broader scrutiny of CCSD’s handling of pandemic-era ESSER funds, which totaled around $250 million for student recovery efforts. No charges or further actions are reported as of January 2026, amid ongoing local education debates.
