FLORENCE COUNTY -- A jury is deliberating in the trial of State Representative Kris Crawford.
Crawford is charged with four misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to file state taxes on time.
He's a physician and represents District 63, which in Florence County.
Crawford has said he's the victim of his former accountant's poor work.
Prosecutors contend it was Crawford's responsibility to make sure his taxes were filed on time.
During closing arguments, Crawford's attorney, Malloy McEachin, told jurors Crawford followed and relied on the advice of his accountant. He says Crawford paid his CPA $14,000.
"Dr. Crawford has proven his innocence. He can not be found guilty if he reasonably believed on the advise of his CPA," said McEachin.
Prosecutors told jurors the facts plus the law equal a guilty verdict for Crawford.
This is his second trial on the tax charges. Last April, the jury deliberated for four hours and couldn't reach a verdict. A mistrial was declared.
The South Carolina Attorney General's Office is prosecuting the case.
Circuit Court Judge Thomas W. Cooper is presiding.
We'll let you know when the jury reaches a verdict.
