Developing: Former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom has filed a class-action lawsuit against pay-day lending groups
September 19, 2007
SCHotline Developing Story: [UPDATED 10pm today]
SCHotline.com has learned from reliable sources that former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom has filed a class-action lawsuit involving pay-day lending groups and that no fewer than nine co-counsels are listed.
Sources tell SCHotline.com that the same co-counsels are current South Carolina State Legislators and some with previous votes favoring the pay-day lending industry and having accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the pay-day lending industry PAC’s, affiliated organizations and campaign contribution bundlers.
SCHotline will continue to follow this developing story
Relative Pending Legislation: S 0398, H 3294, H 3419, H 3448
[UPDATE]
The Advance America Complaint Copy [PDF]
Update: Verified Contributions of Co-Counsels
Hutto for Senate May, 2007 $1000
Senator Thomas for LG June, 2002 $2,500
Senator Thomas for LG June, 2003 $14,000
Thomas for LG June, 2005 $5,000
Palmetto Pride (Thomas’ Request) Sept & Oct, 2006 $10,000
Total for Thomas: $31,500
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[Related Print]
The State: Payday lender sued again
http://www.thestate.com/business/story/178623.html
The State: Payday lender closing 103 U.S. branches
http://www.thestate.com/business/story/179617.html
WISTV: SC’s payday lenders facing class action suit
http://wistv.com/Global/story.asp?s=7102239
September 19, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Relative Legislation: S 0398, H 3294, H 3419, H 3448
September 19, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I’m just wondering, what about this surprises you? This is seem to be just politics as usual.
September 19, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Let’s be clear, perception is reality and the reality is that the GOP does not need any further help in the appearance of impropriety or hypocrisy.
We have no reason at this point to believe that anyone has committed any type of indiscretion or breach of the public trust. How does that go? We report you decide…
September 19, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Wouldn’t that be “co-defendants”?
September 19, 2007 at 10:46 pm
I am personally acquainted with Sen. David Thomas, although I have not seen him in a while, I will inquire about his interest in this business.
Personally I have noticed that they are usually found in some of our poorer neighborhoods, which may be where many of their customers live or work.
Through the years it seems that when these kinds of establishments locate in a neighborhood it is an indicator that the neighborhood is on the decline. Perhaps they are part of the problem too.
September 19, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Good story, good info. thanks
September 19, 2007 at 11:41 pm
These companies give to a lot of elected officials. And that is their right.
The elected officals have the right to take it.
But to take it, then turn around and sue someone…is low rent at best…
September 20, 2007 at 12:14 am
Only scum would take the money then sue…
September 20, 2007 at 3:50 am
[...] Developing: Former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom has filed a class-action lawsuit against pay-day lendin… [image] SCHotline Developing Story: [UPDATED 10pm today] SCHotline.com has learned from reliable sources that former […] [...]
September 20, 2007 at 7:14 pm
let me see if i got this straight…these legislators are trying to pass legislation that will help them win a law suit that will no doubt put millions in their personal bank accounts. Is this legal??
September 20, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Take him to trial. I find it amazing he has never really tried a case. Or for that matter, he has a law degree. I guess Daddy got him that or did he know you could turn right on red. Pete is not even a marginal lawyer.
Once again, go to trial.
September 22, 2007 at 12:48 pm
The entire state is filled with greed and corruption, addrress taxes, family courts and education. this is just another example of doing a little to gain press