SC AG rules in favor of TSE in failed Panthers practice facility tax money lawsuit

ROCK HILL, S.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — A company run by Tepper Sports and Entertainment did 'not commit any criminal wrongdoing' regarding $21 million in taxpayer money and the failed Rock Hill practice facility, according to a letter released earlier this month by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office that Queen City News has now obtained.

Roughly $21 million in taxpayer money went into the project along Mt. Gallant Road and the lawsuit stated that "after careful consideration, this office has determined criminal charges are not warranted."

The project was approved in 2019 and came to a halt after TSE said the City of Rock Hill was not holding up their end of the bargain .

The letter to SLED this month stated that the decision was made after specific provisions had been removed from the Land Development Agreement over GT Real Estate and County roadway tax money requirements.

"The Solicitor took the position that as long as the County's roadway tax money was going to be returned to the County following the demise of the Panthers facility project, then there could be no criminal intent on the part of GTRE or related entities."

Queen City News has requested a statement from Tepper Sports and Entertainment following the announcement.