William Christopher Swett, a Mount Pleasant personal injury attorney, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to money laundering and wire fraud after allegedly stealing over $1.5 million from Motley Rice and its clients between 2018 and 2024.
Scheme Details
Swett created fake legal service companies, submitted reimbursements for bogus clients and injury claims, then laundered funds through controlled accounts. A bank-flagged fraudulent check prompted the firm’s internal probe and FBI involvement; Judge Richard Gergel likened it to Alex Murdaugh’s fraud.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Emily Limehouse highlighted the breach of lawyer-client trust, noting over 250 victims—now made whole by the firm—who may speak at sentencing. Swett’s wife, a paralegal there (marriage undisclosed until 2022), was deemed a victim, uninvolved; both sides anticipate more details later.
Penalties Ahead
Swett faces up to 20 years per count and $750,000 fines; he received $50,000 unsecured bond with conditions barring case discussions with his wife. Sentencing date is pending.
