South Carolina Senator Resigns Amid Ethics Scandal Involving Sex Toys

Accused of using campaign funds to make purchases at adult store

COLUMBIA, S.C.—South Carolina Sen. Robert Ford has resigned half-way into the ethics hearing against him.

Senate President Pro Tem John Courson announced Friday that he received a resignation letter from the Charleston Democrat, effective immediately.

The resignation comes a day after the Senate Ethics Committee heard that the specific charges against Ford included allegations that he used campaign money for adult-store purchases and other personal items. Ford said Thursday he bought gag gifts at those stores for campaign staffers.