Former Lowcountry personal injury attorney William Christopher Swett has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering after prosecutors say he stole more than $1.5 million from clients and his law firm. Swett faces up to 20 years in federal prison, along with a possible $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Fraud Involved Fake Clients and Fabricated Claims
According to the United States Department of Justice, Swett carried out the scheme between 2018 and 2024 while working as a personal injury attorney focused primarily on asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. Court documents state he submitted reimbursement requests for fake clients, fabricated injury and death claims, and falsified medical records.
Online records indicate Swett worked at Motley Rice LLC, a Mount Pleasant-based law firm. The Supreme Court of South Carolina suspended his law license in May 2024.
Prosecutors say Swett created legal services companies that he secretly controlled and billed both the firm and clients for services that were never performed. He allegedly concealed his connection to these companies and transferred funds between bank accounts to disguise the fraud, using the money for personal expenses.
Wife’s Role and Legal Response
Swett’s wife, who worked as a paralegal at the firm from 2013 until her termination in 2024, allegedly submitted fraudulent reimbursement requests at his direction. The couple married in 2021 but did not disclose their relationship to the firm for years. Court documents do not specify whether she faces criminal charges.
Swett’s attorney, Nathan Williams, said his client struggled with personal challenges and is taking responsibility for his actions through the plea agreement. Alicia Ward, representing the firm, stated they are awaiting further steps in the criminal prosecution involving the former employee.
