Former Mount Pleasant Attorney Guilty of $1.5 Million Fraud

Why this matters: This case underscores the importance of ethical conduct within the legal profession and the serious consequences of financial fraud. It also highlights the vulnerabilities that law firms can face from internal fraud.

William Christopher Swett, while working at Motley Rice, orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud his firm and clients. He created fictitious personal injury and death claims, supported by falsified medical documents and communications. Swett then pocketed the money from fake invoices for expenses never incurred. He also diverted client funds into businesses he created to disguise his personal gain.

The scheme came to light when a bank flagged a check made out to one of Swett's shell companies as fraudulent. An internal investigation by Motley Rice revealed the extent of the fraud, leading to charges and Swett's guilty plea. The prosecution noted that dozens of clients were impacted by Swett's financial crimes.

Swett's defense attorney drew a comparison to the Alex Murdaugh case, referencing a co-conspirator convicted of similar fraud. The S.C. Supreme Court suspended Swett’s law license in 2024.

Swett was charged with four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering.

Swett admitted to stealing $1.5 million, but prosecutors believe the actual amount may be larger.

A bank flagged a check as fraudulent, leading to an internal investigation by Swett's law firm.

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