COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s former elections director was arrested Friday and charged with using a state credit card to pay for more than $5,400 in fuel as he drove his state car for personal use.

Howard Knapp, 40, was charged with embezzlement, misconduct in office and eight counts of using his office for personal gain.

Knapp, who was fired last month, also was charged as an accessory after his deputy director allegedly put a recording device inside a boardroom where the state Election Commission was discussing Knapp’s job in a closed door meeting, according to arrest warrants.

State agents said their investigation into Knapp continues.

Knapp’s lawyer suggested problems with the board or others led to trumped up charges.

“This is all about politics. We look forward

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