COLUMBIA, S.C. - A South Carolina state lawmaker accused of beating his wife bloody has resigned rather than be expelled from the Statehouse.

But State Rep. Chris Corley still faces a felony aggravated domestic violence charge that could put him in prison for up to 20 years.

House Speaker Jay Lucas read Corley's one-sentence resignation letter to his colleagues yesterday, just as Lucas was preparing to introduce legislation forcing Corley from his House seat.