COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The Senate Ethics Committee has forwarded the ethics case against Sen. Robert Ford to the attorney general's office.



The committee found overwhelming evidence Friday to support allegations that the Charleston Democrat violated eight sections of South Carolina's ethics law. Its final order calls for the immediate transfer of all supporting documents to Attorney General Alan Wilson.



The committee essentially did what Ford's attorney asked by sending the case over without levying fines. William Runyon asked Ford's colleagues to show mercy, considering Ford's resignation half-way into his hearing.



Ford is accused of using campaign donations for personal expenses, misrepresenting his spending, failing to report numerous expenses, donations and personal loans and then trying to cover it up.



Ford did not attend Friday's hearing due to health issues.