News Summary
E.W. Cromartie, a former city councilman of Columbia, has received a presidential pardon from President Biden on January 19, 2025. After facing serious charges including tax evasion, Cromartie’s pardon marks a significant turning point in his life. Known for his long tenure in public service, he aims to rebuild his reputation whilst continuing his philanthropic efforts. The political connections surrounding his pardon add intrigue to this story of redemption and resilience.
Columbia Councilman E.W. Cromartie Receives Presidential Pardon
Columbia has recently been abuzz with a significant development involving former City Councilman E.W. Cromartie. After overcoming challenges from his past, Cromartie has officially been granted a presidential pardon by none other than President Joe Biden on January 19, 2025. This pardon comes as a major turning point for a man who dedicated nearly three decades of his life to public service.
A Look Back at the Legal Troubles
Cromartie’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Back in 2010, he pled guilty to serious charges of tax evasion and structuring payments to dodge federal oversight. The charges stemmed from his failure to pay over $25,000 in federal income taxes, along with admissions of making cash transactions exceeding $200,000, but just under the IRS reporting thresholds.
With a potential prison sentence looming—up to a daunting 25 years—Cromartie’s reality shifted dramatically when he was ultimately sentenced to just over a year. He spent nine months in federal prison before transitioning to home detention. His conviction affected his professional life, leading to the loss of his law license in 2012 as media covered his case.
A Fresh Start
Despite these legal battles, Cromartie has certainly not given up. The recent pardon erases his past crime from the record and allows him to reclaim his civil rights. Cromartie’s initial attempt to seek a pardon was back in 2016 under the Obama administration, which unfortunately didn’t materialize. However, with persistence, he reapplied in 2024, which led to this recent blessing from President Biden.
Cromartie’s Contributions to the Community
During his long tenure on the City Council, beginning with his election in 1983 as one of the first African-American council members, Cromartie shaped many policies and community initiatives. Even after his release from prison, he remained dedicated to helping others and established a scholarship fund aimed at supporting underprivileged youth. This endeavor reflects his commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Currently, his son, E.W. Cromartie III, plays an active role in the community as the chairman of Columbia’s affordable housing board, demonstrating the family’s ongoing commitment to public service and social equity.
Political Connections Come Into Play
The political landscape surrounding the pardon is intriguing as well. Congressman Jim Clyburn, a close ally of President Biden and a prominent figure in South Carolina politics, shares historical ties with Cromartie. Clyburn even took time to eulogize Cromartie’s late wife, keeping their connection personal and deep-rooted. Interestingly enough, in the year prior to receiving the pardon, Cromartie contributed $165 to Clyburn’s campaign, which may hint at the political intricacies at play.
Adding to this narrative, former Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, who took office subsequent to Cromartie’s tenure, still maintains relevance within the guidelines of the political landscape that Cromartie significantly impacted. While the motivations behind the pardon remain a bit mysterious, many are noticing the ripple effects of Cromartie’s connections within Biden’s inner circle in South Carolina.
What’s Next for Cromartie?
With a pardon now in hand, E.W. Cromartie’s future looks brighter than ever. He has the opportunity to rebuild his reputation and perhaps influence local public service once again, while continuing his philanthropic work. This new chapter opens numerous doors, allowing him to serve as a beacon of change in Columbia.
For the people of Columbia, this development is not just about politics; it’s a story of redemption, resilience, and the power of second chances. Cromartie’s journey reminds us all that it’s never too late to seek forgiveness and make amends. Keep an eye on this community figure as he moves forward—there’s bound to be much more in store.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Biden Pardons E.W. Cromartie, A Local Political Icon
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Post and Courier
- ABC Columbia
- Kansas City Star
- KOMU 8
- Wikipedia: E.W. Cromartie
- Google Search: E.W. Cromartie
- Google Scholar: E.W. Cromartie
- Encyclopedia Britannica: E.W. Cromartie
- Google News: E.W. Cromartie
