Wealthy Republican Donor Harlan Crow’s Payments to Thomas’ Grandnephew Spark Outcry and Calls for Ethics Reform

On Thursday, ProPublica reported that Harlan Crow, a wealthy Republican donor, had paid for Thomas’ grandnephew, Mark Martin, to attend two private schools in the late 2000s. This is the latest in a series of reports detailing previously unknown financial ties between the two men, which have sparked outcry and calls for ethics reform.

In response to the report, Crow defended his actions, saying he had wired $6,200 in July 2009 for one month of tuition for Martin at Hidden Lake Academy in Dahlonega, Georgia. Christopher Grimwood, a former administrator for the school, confirmed that Crow had paid Martin’s tuition during his tenure there, which was roughly a year.

The ProPublica report also included an interview with Martin, his former classmates and former staff. While the exact total for his education is unclear, the cost could have been at least $150,000. Grimwood also said Crow had covered tuition for Martin at Randolph-Macon.

The news of Crow’s payments has sparked controversy, with many calling for an investigation into the relationship between Crow and Thomas. Critics have argued that the payments could be seen as a form of bribery, and could be in violation of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.

The report has prompted a renewed focus on the relationship between Crow and Thomas, and the need for ethics reform in the judicial system. It remains to be seen what action, if any, will be taken in response to the report.