A state representative from Berkeley County is stepping down today amid a corruption investigation.
Representative Jim Merrill submitted a letter of resignation to state House Speaker Jay Lucas yesterday indicating he would no longer serve in his seat as of 10:00 this morning.
The Republican was indicted in December on allegations of corruption dating back to 2002.
The resignation will be effective an hour before he's scheduled to go to court in Columbia for a hearing in the case. Some speculate that Merrill may plead guilty to at least some of the charges.