HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Two former Horry County procurement officers fired last June were in the midst of a “broad, sweeping investigation” into potential misuse of purchasing cards by judicial branch employees that sent “luxury items” to homes, state and federal lawsuits filed this week allege.
Both complaints also accuse high-ranking officials including assistant county administrator Barry Spivey, airport chief Judi Olmstead and procurement director Tammy Stevens of violating the state’s whistleblower act, wrongful termination and defamation, among other things.
Lauren DeMasi and Jessica Williams’ county careers ended within days of each other, and after meetings with Spivey and the human resources departments, their suits claim…