Kevin Hollinshead, a former Charleston County School District Board of Trustees member for District 4, was released on a $250,000 unsecured bond after pleading not guilty to federal bribery and fraud charges in court on March 18, 2026.
Charges Overview
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges Hollinshead accepted bribes since 2020 to influence board decisions. He’s also accused of misusing Paycheck Protection Program funds for personal expenses rather than his business, facing five counts with potential penalties up to a $1 million fine and 30 years in prison.
Court and Community Response
He resigned the day before his court appearance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse expressed confidence in the evidence from SLED and FBI partners, emphasizing anti-corruption efforts. Hollinshead’s pastor, Clifford Brown, urged the community—especially African American leaders—to withhold judgment until trial.
Next Steps
Hollinshead maintains innocence pending conviction. Governor Henry McMaster will call a special election, possibly in June, to fill the seat.
