CHARLESTON, S.C. – A judge is weighing sanctions against attorneys representing charleston businessman Eric Bland and attorney Chris Brewer following a legal battle stemming from allegations made by U.S. Representative Nancy Mace on the House floor. The case centers on accusations of intimidation and attempts to silence a woman alleging a secret recording while unconscious.
The dispute arose after Mace publicly named Bland as a “predator” during a February speech, referencing an ongoing civil case involving the woman, identified as Jane Doe. bland and Brewer later filed motions that Judge Rode found to be without merit, leading to consideration of sanctions. Mace alleges Bland and Brewer are “weaponizing the legal system to intimidate witnesses and harm victims.”
The original litigation involves Jane Doe’s claim of being secretly filmed while unconscious, with John Osborne, an associate of Bland, allegedly implicated in the assault. Bland has demanded Mace provide evidence for her accusations, issuing an open letter requesting a retraction.
judge Rode has not yet announced when he will issue the final sanctions order. Mace and Jane Doe have already incurred approximately $100,000 in legal costs defending against the filings, expenses borne by Mace personally, not through her official congressional capacity.
Brewer stated,”We look forward to representing our clients with integrity and ethics moving forward.” Mace responded to the court’s ruling by stating, “I want other women to know we do have a voice. We can win when we fight back.”
