COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — It turns out that $1.8 billion wasn’t just sitting in a bank account in South Carolina waiting to be spent. An independent forensic audit has determined that figure was an accounting error compounded over years instead of being reconciled. Wednesday’s announcement dashed ideas like returning the money to taxpayers or using a surprise windfall on roads. But it also led to more questions. Officials are asking why the error wasn’t reported when it was first discovered around 2018 and whether the state treasurer, Curtis Loftis, should step down. Loftis thanked the auditors and says the state’s money is safe but didn’t address other issues after the audit was released.
