January 22, 2025

Columbia Councilman E.W. Cromartie Receives Presidential Pardon

News Summary

Former Columbia City Councilman Ernest William ‘E.W.’ Cromartie has been granted a presidential pardon by President Biden, effective January 19, 2025. This significant decision erases Cromartie’s felony conviction, allowing him a fresh start after nearly 30 years of public service, during which he faced a tax evasion charge that led to his conviction in 2010. With renewed civil rights, Cromartie seeks to engage more actively in community initiatives.

Columbia City Council Veteran Granted Pardon by President Biden

In a significant development that has stirred conversations across Columbia, former City Councilman Ernest William “E.W.” Cromartie has received a pardon from President Biden, just hours before the end of his presidency. This pardon, granted on January 19, 2025, effectively wipes the slate clean on Cromartie’s past, allowing him to move forward without the weight of a felony conviction hanging over him.

A Long Journey Through Public Service

Cromartie is no stranger to the complexities of public service, having dedicated nearly 30 years to the Columbia City Council, where he was one of the first African-Americans elected back in 1983. Throughout his career, he was known not just for his political contributions, but also for establishing a scholarship aimed at helping underprivileged youth. His commitment to his community extended beyond just legislation; he was deeply involved in his church and various community initiatives.

The Tax Evasion Conviction

However, Cromartie’s journey took a sharp turn in April 2010 when he pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion and structuring payments to evade federal oversight. In court, he admitted to not paying over $25,000 in federal income taxes and to executing more than $200,000 worth of cash transactions just below the IRS’s reporting thresholds. As a result, he faced the possibility of a hefty 25-year prison sentence, but ultimately received a far lighter one: a year and a day in federal prison.

After the Conviction

Cromartie served nine months behind bars, then spent additional time under home detention. The consequences of his conviction were immediate and significant; he resigned from his council position and lost his law license in 2012. His attempts to re-enter public life were unsuccessful, with his 2016 application for a position at the Central Midlands Council of Governments falling flat, continuously overshadowed by his past legal troubles.

A Hopeful Reapplication

Undeterred by the setbacks, Cromartie filed for a pardon in 2016 but was denied. After years of community involvement and personal rehabilitation, he reapplied for a pardon in 2024. His journey resonates within the Columbia community, where many remember his long-standing contributions as a councilman. Support for his pardon has reportedly gained traction with influential political figures in South Carolina, including Congressman Jim Clyburn and former Mayor Steve Benjamin, signaling a strong backing from both local and federal leaders.

A New Chapter Ahead

With the pardon now in place, Cromartie’s crime record is erased, and his civil rights are restored, opening the door for new opportunities. His son, E.W. Cromartie III, currently serves as the chairman of the City of Columbia’s affordable housing board, showcasing a family commitment to public service and community betterment. Acknowledging the contributions Cromartie had made to the community, a judge during his sentencing noted that even despite the unfortunate circumstances, he had arguably done more good than harm during his long tenure.

What Lies Ahead for Cromartie?

Cromartie’s future remains to be seen, but he can now pursue it unencumbered by his past transgressions. With a heart still deeply rooted in Columbia, he continues to be an active member of his church and has maintained involvement in local issues. The city has watched closely as Cromartie navigates this new chapter, stirred by a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism as a once-prominent figure in Columbia politics takes steps toward redemption in the public eye.

This new beginning not only reflects a significant personal victory for Cromartie but also serves as a reminder that second chances are possible, even for those who have faced significant setbacks. As the community progresses, so too does the story of E.W. Cromartie, who moves forward, eager to embrace the future.