Police find body of missing SC hospitality exec


February 28, 2012 at 2:18p.m.

Police find body of missing SC hospitality exec

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The president of South Carolina’s Hospitality Association, who was missing for more than a week, has been found dead as authorities continue a separate investigation of the association’s finances.

Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott says Tom Sponseller’s body was found around 11 a.m. today in a parking garage near Sponseller’s office.

The 61-year-old was last seen at his office Feb. 18. Police said they had combed his office building and nearby parking garage but said Tuesday that Sponseller’s body was in a room on the garage’s lower level.

Police and Richland County Coroner Gary Watts planned a news conference later today. The cause of death was not immediately released.

Federal officials confirmed Monday that they are investigating the association’s finances but said Sponseller was not a target.