Governor examines background of agency director

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James McClain, who was appointed by Sanford in April as director of the state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, was listed on his agency's Web site as having served as the "United States Marine Corps' director of public affairs" and also as a "tactical jet aviator." Sanford's office also made the same statements in a press release announcing his appointment in April.

McClain told The News he was director of public affairs for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at the El Toro Air Station near Irvine, Calif., from 1989-1991. He said he also served as an airborne coordinator of aircraft.

McClain said he wasn't sure what was on the Web site and would have to review it.

"I guess I should have looked a little more closely at that," McClain said. "When I said a spokesman for the Marine Corps, that is in fact true. And that's how I have described my role, as a spokesman for the Marine Corps, not the spokesman but a spokesman."

Sanford in April compared McClain to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and said McClain's military experience was one factor in his selection.

"Jim has the business background and military experience that I think are the two most critical traits in bringing cost-efficient and accountable leadership to (the agency)," Sanford said in announcing the appointment. "Like Colin Powell, he has a skill set that transcends the political arena and a straight-shooting perspective that will serve as a great example for the rest of state government to follow."

Will Folks, a spokesman for Sanford, said the governor has asked that the matter be investigated, describing the inquiry as "very serious."

"The governor has asked his chief of staff, Fred Carter, and his chief legal counsel, Henry White, to look into the matter," he said. "That's all I can say about it right now."

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Giannetti, a spokesman for the public affairs unit in the Marine Corps' headquarters in Washington, said McClain attended but did not complete flight school.

"If he was anything at all it would be a tactical navigator flight student - not aviator," Giannetti said.

McClain said he worked as a tactical airborne coordinator from 1989 until 1991.

"In the course of the evolution of flight, we have people who coordinate the movement of aircraft in and out of the exercise and/or operation," he said.

He said he has since become a pilot.

Major Jason Johnston, a Marines spokesman in Washington, said while some air crew personnel who are not pilots could be referred to as aviators, the label is usually reserved for Marines who graduate flight school and are pilots.

"I'd have a hard time calling him an aviator," he said of McClain.

Johnston said he is not familiar with air coordinators who work from the air. He said Marine air coordinators work from ships or on land.

The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardons supervises about 50,000 offenders placed on probation by the courts or on parole by the parole board. The agency has about 800 employees and a $42 million budget.

According to the agency's website, McClain previously worked as senior vice president for global sales and marketing for Spectral Diagnostics. From 1996 to January of 2001, he worked as director of business development for Roche Diagnostics Corporation.