I'm not saying it's conspiracy, just that for him to be a full blown dealer just is so nuts for what I know about him. More info from The State story today:
"Ravenel, a Republican, was elected treasurer in November. The charge filed Tuesday said he has “knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully possess(ed) with intent to distribute” cocaine since at least late 2005. The case grew out of a Charleston Police Department investigation into narcotics, State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart said. The Charleston police asked for SLED’s assistance in that investigation, Stewart said. “Information was developed that state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel allegedly was involved in this illegal activity,” Stewart said at a news conference. Stewart asked the FBI and U.S. attorney to join the investigation April 1, once the case involved a statewide elected official who “administers the use of vast public funds.” Lloyd described Miller as a drug dealer. He stressed Ravenel was not charged with selling cocaine. Under federal law, a charge of intent to distribute cocaine can mean a defendant acquired the drug and gave it to others. Lloyd would not say to whom Ravenel allegedly gave cocaine.
So it looks like Ravenal had a coke problem and gave some of his buddies some. That's way different from being a dealer.