Keowee Courier

ANOTHER ACTION
AGAINST ELLISON
Former Treasurer and His
Bonding Company Being
Sued in Defalcation Case.

Greenwood, June 20.—Another civil action has been brought by the County of Greenwood against R. A. Ellison, former County Treasurer, and the Massachusetts Bonding and Insurance Company, surety for Ellison while he was holding the position of treasurer of the county. This suit, filed today, involves an alleged shortage in his accounts during the years 1917-1921, his first term as treasurer. The sum involved is $9,492.54, and "for such others sums as may be shown on the trial of the case."

Judgment is asked against the bonding company, represented by J. Frank Flowers, of Charlotte, N. C., for such money as may be determined by the accounting, not to exceed $20,000. Ellison was bonded in this amount during each of his two terms as treasurer; the county in accordance with a decree issued recently by Judge J. K. Henry in affirming the report of Referee F. P. McGowan, who heard the testimony in the case, charging a shortage during Ellison's second term of office—1921 to 1925—already has been awarded judgment in the sum of approximately $10,000. The bonding company paid the amount of the bond for the second term with interest. The suit filed today is based on an alleged shortage charged in a report made to the grand jury by B. C. Wallace & Company, public accountants. Most of the items involve warrants issued by the Superintendent of Education for transfer of certain funds from the general fund of school districts to the sinking fund of the districts on which the treasurer took credit, "but failed to account for." Criminal action also is pending against Ellison.