Suspended Mount Pleasant attorney admits guilt in million-dollar laundering scheme A suspended personal injury attorney pleaded guilty to stealing $1.5 million from his Mount Pleasant law firm and clients, according to a federal court filing. William Christopher Swett, a former associate at Motley Rice law firm, admitted to orchestrating a complex scheme that spanned nearly six years, starting in 2018. The case involves multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering, with Swett charged with deceiving clients and his former employer through fabricated claims and falsified documents. Swett’s crimes included creating fake personal injury and death claims using falsified medical records and other communications. He pocketed funds from invoices for services he never performed, including fabricated client meetings, travel expenses, and hotel stays. The scheme also involved diverting client money into two shell businesses he established to conceal his personal gains. Prosecutors allege the fraud affected dozens of clients, with the total amount of stolen funds potentially exceeding $1.5 million. The case came to light in March 2024 when Swett attempted to cash a check made out to one of his shell companies. A bank flagged the transaction as suspicious, prompting Motley Rice to launch an internal investigation and report the activity to authorities. Swett’s wife, who served as his paralegal before their 2021 marriage, was initially implicated in the scheme, but Swett claimed she did not submit fraudulent reimbursement requests. Prosecutors referred to her as a victim in the case and stated she would not face charges. During his plea hearing, Swett affirmed the allegations, acknowledging his actions were motivated by personal enrichment. U.S.#mount_pleasant #william_christopher_swett #motley_rice #alex_murdaugh #cory_fleming
