The Latest: State investigates injury to congressman’s niece

BEAUFORT, S.C. – The Latest on an investigating into an injury suffered by U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford’s niece when she was with the congressman (all times local):

9:45 a.m.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating after U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford’s niece’s foot was apparently injured in an incident involving the congressman.

Spokesman Thom Berry says that the agency has started a preliminary inquiry to determine if there were any criminal violations.

A Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department incident report shows the injury occurred at Coosaw Plantation, the Sanford family farm, June 18. The report, in which many of the details are blacked out, did not describe the injury or who contacted deputies.

But John Sanford, Sanford’s brother and the girl’s father, issued a statement to the media saying any suggestion Sanford would hurt his daughter’s foot or any of his children is “absolutely wrong.” Sanford said he stands by his brother’s statement.

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8:00 a.m.

South Carolina investigators are considering a request to investigate after U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford’s niece’s foot was apparently injured in an incident involving the congressman.

A Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department incident report shows the injury occurred at Coosaw Plantation, the Sanford family farm, June 18.

The report, in which many of the details are blacked out, did not describe the injury or who contacted deputies.

Local media outlets report that John Sanford, Sanford’s brother and the girl’s father, issued a statement saying any suggestion Sanford would hurt his daughter’s foot or any of his children is “absolutely wrong.”

Sanford said he stands by his brother’s statement.

A sheriff’s department spokesman says the state has been asked to investigate because both Sanford and the sheriff have ties to the local Republican Party.