SC - Paul Murdaugh,22 & Mom Margaret,52, 7 June 2021 *Media, Maps, Timeline-NO DISCUSSION*

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1704934779647377641

 

[Seattle1]

Sep 21, 2023

Alex Murdaugh is expected to plead guilty Thursday to nearly two dozen federal charges alleging he stole millions of dollars from his clients as a former attorney. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the J. Waties Waring Judicial Center in Charleston before U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel. Full Story https://abcnews4.com/news/local/forme...

 

[Seattle1]

Alex Murdaugh pleads guilty to multimillion-dollar theft from clients

Alex Murdaugh pleaded guilty Thursday to nearly two dozen federal charges alleging he stole millions of dollars from his clients as a former attorney.The heari

abcnews4.com

9/21/23

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Alex Murdaugh pleaded guilty Thursday to nearly two dozen federal charges alleging he stole millions of dollars from his clients as a former attorney.

The hearing was 10 a.m. at the J. Waties Waring Judicial Center in Charleston before U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel.


Follow-along with court proceedings in our live blog below or here. Authored by News 4's Drew Tripp.

 

[Seattle1]

Murdaugh Hearing LIVE (Beaufort County courthouse)​

Streamed live on Sep 14, 2023

1) Satterfield trial set for Monday, Nov 27, 2023.

2) Judge Clifton Newman delayed setting a trial date for state charges faced by Russell Laffitte, accomplice of convicted killer AM. Judge Clifton Newman told prosecutors and Laffitte's lawyers they would revisit the issue of scheduling his state trial in a month to six weeks pending potential decisions on his federal appellate issues.

 

[Seattle1]

Russell Laffitte prison start date pushed back again

Alex Murdaugh co-conspirator Russell Laffitte has been given a second and final one-week delay to the start of his prison sentence.

abcnews4.com

9/20/23


Russell Laffitte appears in court with his attorney, S.C. State Rep. Todd Rutherford.

CHARLESTON (WCIV) — The federal judge who sentenced Alex Murdaugh co-conspirator Russell Laffitte to seven years in prison has given the former Hampton banker and convicted fraudster one final extension on his prison start date.

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel on Wednesday granted Laffitte a second and apparently final delay to the start of his federal prison sentence, noting no further extensions will be granted.


Laffitte's new start date following Judge Gergel's order is September 28, barring intervention by a higher court.

[..]

Drew Tripp

@DrewTripp

ORDER as to Russell Lucius Laffitte (1): The Court grants Defendant's motion for a one-week extension to report to the Bureau of Prisons, until September 28, 2023. No further extensions will be granted. AND IT IS SO ORDERED. Signed by Honorable Richard M Gergel on 9/20/23.

11:55 AM · Sep 20, 2023

Laffitte, who was convicted in November 2022 on six felony financial crime charges, was originally scheduled to begin his sentence at FCI Coleman in Florida on September 14.

After Gergel sentenced Laffitte to seven years in early August, Laffitte's attorneys promptly notified the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals of their plans to appeal the sentence and conviction.

Additionally, Laffitte's lawyers asked the Fourth Circuit panel on August 14 that they allow Laffitte to remain out of prison on bond while his appeal is being adjudicated.

Anticipating the appeals court would not have an answer to his appeal bond request before he was supposed to report to prison, Laffitte asked Judge Gergel to delay the beginning of his sentence by one week.

[..]

In his order, Gergel says the general rule in federal procedure is defendants are required to be in prison as sentenced even if they're appealing. The exception is that defendants may be granted bond during appeal if the panel deems their appeal likely to succeed upon initial review.

With those standards in mind, Gergel notes he's already denied Laffitte's requests for a retrial twice and once denied a motion for a directed verdict in Laffitte's favor. As such, Gergel says he doubts Laffitte's appeal will succeed.

 

[Seattle1]

Eric Bland

@TheEricBland
Follow

Driving back home from Charleston I have this nagging thought that Alex Murdaugh still has significant money secreted somewhere. Why else would he make it a point during his guilty plea to point out that he is going to continue to contest owing the Satterfields $4.3 million pursuant to the judgment he gave to them in May of 2022. Knowing that he’s going to spend the rest of his life in prison or close to it depending if the murder conviction stands or gets reversed, why would he care if the Satterfields have a judgment that they can’t collect upon because he is broke. I don’t believe he’s broke, and neither does he. EB


10:45 AM · Sep 21, 2023
·

 

[Seattle1]

Drew Tripp
@DrewTripp

Court is adjourned. Murdaugh's guilty plea is official. The most noteworthy new information from the hearing: Federal prosecutor Emily Limehouse says while Murdaugh admits to nearly $9 million in fraud proceeds, the govt. believes it's actually over $10.5 million.
7:55 AM · Sep 21, 2023

Another big development clarified in post-hearing press conference. Judge Gergel's forfeiture order signed as part of the plea deal is immediate. Harpootlian and Griffin say they take that to mean the feds will seize Murdaugh’s assets currently controlled by state.
8:13 AM · Sep 21, 2023

I asked Murdaugh's lawyers how they believe the state will respond to this forfeiture order insofar as it opposes the state's receivership order. Harpootlian: "Not well." He and Griffin frame this as "stopping the bleeding —a jab at receivers asking for attorney fees from funds.
8:18 AM · Sep 21, 2023

Harpootlian did concede that he and Griffin and their co-counsel also quite vigorously fought the receivers to get additional attorney fees for themselves out of Murdaugh's assets after exhausting $600K they got from his funds in the murder trial. They lost that fight.
8:40 AM · Sep 21, 2023

 

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1704972989119307943

 

[Seattle1]

Murdaugh Codefendant Cory Fleming Sentencing LIVE​

Streamed live on Sep 14, 2023

 

[Seattle1]

Alex Murdaugh co-conspirator Cory Fleming sentenced to 20 years on state charges

Thursday marks a big day in the Alex Murdaugh saga as three big court appearances are expected to happen Thursday Morning in Beaufort County.

wpde.com

9/14/23

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — UPDATE: Cory Fleming was sentenced to 20 years on state charges by Judge Clifton Newman Thursday.

The 20-year sentence he was served Thursday will run consecutive to the time he is currently serving.

One of those involves the state sentencing of Cory Fleming, one of Murdaugh's co-conspirators and longtime friend, who has pleaded guilty in both state and federal court to fraud and conspiracy charges. The charges stem from Fleming's involvement with Murdaugh in a scheme to steal millions from clients.

Fleming has already begun serving his federal sentence of three years and 10 months. Federal judge Richard Gergel sentenced Fleming last month to the lowest recommended term, following the suggestion of federal authorities, who noted Fleming's cooperation and honesty in their investigation.

Fleming's state and federal sentences will run at the same time, but state prosecutors at Fleming's plea hearing hinted at seeking a much harsher sentence. Lead prosecutor Creighton Waters said in court the State felt Fleming had not cooperated with them and argued his involvement in the schemes was much more intimate than his lawyers suggested.

 

[Seattle1]

Sep 22, 2023 #podcast #truecrime #truecrimepodcasts

Alex Murdaugh entered a guilty plea Thursday to federal fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges, marking the first formal acknowledgment of guilt by the disgraced former attorney. But of course, nothing in the Murdaugh case could ever be so straightforward. The hearing concluded with Murdaugh's attorneys requesting Judge Richard Gergel sign an immediate forfeiture order for Alex's assets to be seized by the federal government. Lawyers Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian projected altruism for Murdaugh's victims and cited a need to prevent other lawyers from "burning off" the money recovered by state court officers in charge of Alex's money. This has the potential to set up a legal fight between the state and feds over who has control over Murdaugh's millions.

 

[arielilane]

Today on the Murdaugh front: We've gotten a fuller picture of why Cory Fleming is appealing his sentence, plus more transparent retaliatory gamesmanship by Murdaugh's lawyers against opposing attorneys representing their client's victims in state court.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1706436617756381599

 

[arielilane]

The court appointed receivers for Alex Murdaugh did something very interesting today. In response to team Murdaugh’s motion to have the federal government seize the funds that the receivers recovered and are supposed to go to Alex Murdaugh’s victims, the receivers finally did something that we all have been dying to know. How much have Harpootlian and Griffin really been paid for their representation in all of these different matters and who has paid them? They sent the attached subpoena and list of documents to team murdaugh today. This stuff is nut cutting time. Harpootlian and Griffitt need to realize they don’t control the chessboard. They are in the middle surrounded by knights, Rooks, bishops, and a queen and they soon will be without moves. Harpootlian and Griffin will not give up this information willingly, and I am certain they will file a motion to quash the subpoena. The hearing on this will be so interesting. They are trying to give this money to the federal government so that it doesn’t end up in the hands of the true Victims of Alex’s thievery. EB
https://twitter.com/TheEricBland/status/1706757704314753292/photo/1

https://twitter.com/x/status/1706757704314753292

 

[arielilane]

The court clerk accused of repeatedly tampering with Alex Murdaugh’s jury is featured in the second season of the Murdaugh Family Murders docu-series, and her appearance in it may actually help him get a new trial! Attorney for Alex Murdaugh @lawyergriffin joins @BrianEntin.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1706733047259783672

 

[arielilane]

Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh file motion in federal court seeking immediate seizure of assets. Full story coming… https://fitsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2023/09/murdaugh-immediate-seizure-of-assets.pdf

https://twitter.com/x/status/1706716724031062230

 

[Seattle1]

Eric Bland
@TheEricBland


Well. Kudos to an absolute bad *advertiser censored* Julie Carpenter who pointed out in an interview that Dick and Jim gave to Angenette Levy of NewNation at the 14 minute and 55 second mark of the interview that Dick and Jim told Angenette that they also were paid legal fees from the trust funds that his father left him in addition to some 401(k) funds. Jim Griffin has said that they were paid only a total of $600,000 and $531,000 went to expenses for the trial and that he and Dick only split approximately $69,000. Don’t forget they were paid $500,000 to represent Paul on the Boating DUI homicide charges which they never really had to earn by trying the case because unfortunately he was killed by his father. When that statement was made we suspected that it was only partially true. How much did they receive from the $4 million that Alex was left in trust by his father? It’s high time that Harpootlian and Griffin come clean about how much they have been paid for all of the criminal cases and civil cases. Thank God Judge Hall denied the request for $160,000 for the appeal fees after we all objected and argued against it, But I’m sure they will appeal that too. It’s time for a groundswell movement to take place to implore the government (whether state or federal) to force the finances of Alex Murdaugh to be fully disclosed. EB Julie, Carpenter has done some amazing work in cataloging, inconsistent statements, admissions, and bombs that have been spoken by team Murdaugh. Great job, Julie. EB
5:02 PM · Sep 26, 2023

 

[Seattle1]

U.S. District Court​

District of South Carolina (Beaufort)​

CRIMINAL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 9:23-cr-00396-RMG-1​

Case title: USA v. Murdaugh

Date Filed: 05/23/2023

---

Assigned to: Honorable Richard M Gergel

Defendant (1)

Richard Alexander Murdaugh Pending Counts Disposition ATTEMPT AND CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MAIL FRAUD (FORFEITURE) (1) BANK FRAUD (FORFEITURE) (2) FRAUD BY WIRE, RADIO, OR TELEVISION (FORFEITURE) (3-7) ATTEMPT AND CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MAIL FRAUD (FORFEITURE) (8) MONEY LAUNDERING - INTERSTATE COMMERCE (FORFEITURE) (9-22) Plaintiff USA represented by​ Emily Evans Limehouse US Attorneys Office (Chas) 151 Meeting Street Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29401-2238 843-266-1663 Fax: 843-727 Email: Emily.Limehouse@usdoj.gov LEAD ATTORNEY ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED Designation: Assistant US Attorney ​ Date Filed # Docket Text 05/23/2023 2​ Order to Seal Indictment as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. Signed by Magistrate Judge Kaymani D West on 5/23/2023.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/23/2023) 05/23/2023 3​ SEALED INDICTMENT (Sealed Grand Jury Ballot attached) as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (1) count(s) 1, 2, 3-7, 8, 9-22. (Attachments: # 1 GJ Ballot) (cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/23/2023) 05/23/2023 6​ ORDER FOR ISSUANCE OF Arrest WARRANT as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. Signed by Magistrate Judge Kaymani D West on 5/23/2023.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/23/2023) 05/23/2023 8​ Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Prosequendum Issued as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh for from time to time until this matter is concluded. Signed by Magistrate Judge Kaymani D West on 5/23/2023.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/23/2023) 05/24/2023 10​ MOTION to Unseal Case by USA as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. (cper, ) (Entered: 05/24/2023) 05/24/2023 11​ ORDER granting 10 Motion to Unseal Case as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (1). Signed by Honorable Richard M Gergel on 5/24/23.(cper, ) (Entered: 05/24/2023) 05/24/2023 12​ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Kathleen Michelle Stoughton appearing for USA. (Stoughton, Kathleen) (Entered: 05/24/2023) 05/24/2023 13​ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Winston D Holliday appearing for USA. (Holliday, Winston) (Entered: 05/24/2023) 05/24/2023 14​ Case Reassigned as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh to Honorable Richard M Gergel. (bshr, ) (Entered: 05/24/2023) 05/24/2023 15​ NOTICE OF HEARING as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh Initial Appearance and Arraignment set for 5/31/2023 01:30 PM in Charleston Courtroom #5, U. S. Court House, 85 Broad St, Charleston before Magistrate Judge Molly H Cherry. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/24/2023) 05/31/2023 17​ Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Molly H Cherry: Initial Appearance as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh held on 5/31/2023, Arraignment as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (1) Count 1,2,3-7,8,9-22 held on 5/31/2023. AUSAs Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday present for the government. Attorneys Jim Griffin, Dick Harpootlian, and Phillip Barber make a general appearance and are present with the defendant. Defendant enters not guilty plea. Court reviews FRCrP Rule 5 Disclosure and directs that a written copy be filed. Government moves for detention. Defendant waives detention hearing and remains detained. Court Reporter April Snipes, CS. (egra, ) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 18​ Not Guilty PLEA ENTERED as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (egra, ) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 19​ ORDER OF DETENTION as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. Signed by Magistrate Judge Molly H Cherry on 05/31/2023. (egra, ) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 20​ FRCrP 5(f) DISCLOSURE ORDER as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. Signed by Magistrate Judge Molly H Cherry on 05/31/2023. (egra, ) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 21​ ORDER GOVERNING DISCOVERY as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. Signed by Magistrate Judge Molly H Cherry on 05/31/2023. (egra, ) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 23​ WAIVER of Rights Under Interstate Agreement on Detainers by Richard Alexander Murdaugh- (Limehouse, Emily) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 24​ Warrant Returned Executed on 05/31/2023 in case as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. (cwolf-USMS, ) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 05/31/2023 25​ NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh Arraignment held on May 31, 2023, before Judge Molly H. Cherry. Court Reporter/Transcriber D Bull, Telephone number/E-mail debra_bull@scd.uscourts.gov. Tape Number: 92. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Parties have 7 calendar days from the filing of the transcript to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction. Redaction Request due 6/21/2023. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 7/3/2023. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 8/29/2023. (Bull, Debra) (Entered: 05/31/2023) 06/01/2023 27​ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Richard A Harpootlian appearing for Richard Alexander Murdaugh (Harpootlian, Richard) (Entered: 06/01/2023) 06/01/2023 28​ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Phillip Donald Barber appearing for Richard Alexander Murdaugh (Barber, Phillip) (Entered: 06/01/2023) 06/05/2023 29​ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: James Mixon Griffin appearing for Richard Alexander Murdaugh (Griffin, James) (Entered: 06/05/2023) 06/05/2023 30​ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Margaret Nicole Fox appearing for Richard Alexander Murdaugh (Fox, Margaret) (Entered: 06/05/2023) 06/06/2023 31​ NOTICE OF HEARING as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh: Telephone Conference set for 6/23/2023 10:30 AM before Honorable Richard M Gergel. Court to send out dialing instructions.(cper, ) (Entered: 06/06/2023) 06/23/2023 32​ Minute Entry for proceedings held before Honorable Richard M Gergel: Telephone Conference as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh held on 6/23/2023. All parties are represented on the call. (cper, ) (Entered: 06/23/2023) 06/23/2023 33​ TEXT ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh: The Court conducted a status conference with counsel on 6/23/23. The Court was informed that no discovery has yet been produced and that additional time is needed for defense counsel to address outstanding matters. Defendant moved for a continuance and the Government consented. The Court finds the ends of justice are served by a continuance and outweigh the interests of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. The motion for a continuance is granted. Counsel are directed to file a joint status report in this matter on or before 7/31/23. AND IT IS SO ORDERED. Entered at the direction of the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on 6/23/23.(cper, ) (Entered: 06/23/2023) 07/18/2023 34​ MOTION for Discovery by Richard Alexander Murdaugh. No proposed order(Harpootlian, Richard) (Entered: 07/18/2023) 08/03/2023 35​ TEXT ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh: The Court conducted a status conference in this matter on 8/3/23. Defendant requested a continuance of 45 days to allow time for defense counsel to receive and review outstanding discovery in this matter. The Government consents to the continuance. The Court finds that the ends of justice are served by a continuance and outweigh the interests of the public and the Defendant in a speedy trial. The defense motion for a continuance of 45 days is granted to provide defense counsel adequate time to obtain and review discovery and to prepare for the ultimate disposition of this matter. AND IT IS SO ORDERED. Entered at the direction of the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on 8/3/23.(cper, ) (Entered: 08/03/2023) 08/24/2023 36​ NOTICE OF HEARING as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh: Change of Plea Hearing set for 9/21/2023 10:00 AM in Hon. Sol Blatt, Jr., Courtroom, J. Waties Waring Judicial Cntr, 83 Meeting St, Charleston before Honorable Richard M Gergel. Courtroom 1 is reserved for overflow.(cper, ) (Entered: 08/24/2023) 09/18/2023 37​ PLEA AGREEMENT as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (Limehouse, Emily) Modified on 9/21/2023 to replace with dated signature page.(cper, ). (Entered: 09/18/2023) 09/21/2023 38​ Minute Entry for proceedings held before Honorable Richard M Gergel: Change of Plea Hearing as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh held on 9/21/2023 Plea Agreement Accepted, Richard Alexander Murdaugh (1) Guilty Counts 1, 2, 3-7, 8 and 9-22. Court Reporter Lisa Smith. (cper, ) (Entered: 09/21/2023) 09/21/2023 40​ GUILTY PLEA ENTERED as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (cper, ) (Entered: 09/21/2023) 09/21/2023 41​ MOTION for Forfeiture of Property by USA as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh. Proposed order is being emailed to chambers with copy to opposing counsel(Sherard, Carrie) (Entered: 09/21/2023) 09/22/2023 42​ PRELIMINARY ORDER OF FORFEITURE granting 41 Motion for Forfeiture of Property as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh (1). Signed by Honorable Richard M Gergel on 9/22/23.(cper, ) (Entered: 09/22/2023) 09/25/2023 43​ MOTION for Immediate Seizure of Defendant's Assets by Richard Alexander Murdaugh. No proposed order (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Transcript Excerpt from May 3, 2023 hearing, Beach v. Parker)(Barber, Phillip) (Entered: 09/25/2023) 09/26/2023 44​ Letter as to Richard Alexander Murdaugh in re: Defendant's Motion for Immediate Seizure of Defendant's Assets (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - P. Barber Email to the Court, # 2 Exhibit B - E. Limehouse Email to the Court, # 3 Exhibit C - Beach v. Murdaugh Order, dated Sep 19, 2023)(Barber, Phillip) (Entered: 09/26/2023) CM/ECF - scd ecf.scd.uscourts.gov

 

[arielilane]

'He will get a new trial': Alex Murdaugh's lawyers confident about jury tampering claims

Attorneys for disgraced lawyer Alex Murdaugh say they’ve been in contact with a fourth juror from his double murder trial and believe he’ll receive a new trial.

lawandcrime.com

ANGENETTE LEVY Sep 26th, 2023, 4:57 pm

Attorneys for disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh say they’ve now been in contact with a fourth juror from his double murder trial and are confident he’ll receive a new trial after uncovering alleged jury tampering by a court official. Attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin also said they would represent Murdaugh free of charge in a retrial if necessary.

Law&Crime spoke with Harpootlian and Griffin at CrimeCon in Orlando last weekend about a number of topics. The attorneys were featured speakers at the convention along with Creighton Waters, the assistant attorney general who is leading the Murdaugh prosecutions.

 

[Seattle1]

Angenette Levy
@Angenette5

WATCH/READ: #AlexMurdaugh lawyers believe he will get a new trial. I spoke with
@lawyergriffin

@HarpootlianSC
at CrimeCon about their motion for a new trial and more. Also, they say they will rep AM free of charge if necessary
@LawCrimeNetwork



lawandcrime.com
'He will get a new trial': Alex Murdaugh's lawyers confident about jury tampering claims
Attorneys for disgraced lawyer Alex Murdaugh say they’ve been in contact with a fourth juror from his double murder trial and believe he’ll receive a new trial.

8:32 AM · Sep 27, 2023

 

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1707083788679848232