Disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years in prison for a series of white-collar crimes Embezzlement, forgery, tax evasion and more.
Murdaugh, already in prison for a double murder, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Beaufort County Court in South Carolina as part of a plea agreement. According to The State, he received the harshest sentence ever imposed by the state for financial crimes. The 101 total charges against Murdaugh stem from his stealing millions of dollars from his clients, friends and family.
After hearing the victim’s statements, the judge agreed to the sentence agreed upon earlier this month in a plea agreement in which Murdaugh pleaded guilty to 22 of the charges, with the expectation that the court would sentence him to 27 years in prison. As part of the settlement, Murdaugh agreed to waive his appeal rights. He could also be eligible for parole after serving 85% of his sentence.
At sentencing, prosecutor Creighton Waters estimated that Murdaugh stole more than $12.4 million over the course of a decade.
According to The State, Murdaugh was only charged with embezzlement and other charges totaling $8 million.
Waters reviewed the stories of several victims, including Jordan Jinks, who lost about $150,000 to Murdaugh’s schemes. Jinks appeared to be sitting slumped in the courtroom with his head in his hands. Fourteen of his victims are expected to appear in court.
Tony Satterfield, whose late mother Gloria was the Murdaughs’ housekeeper, addressed Murdaugh directly in court Tuesday and told him he forgives his lies and stealing. “My heart is with you and my prayers are with you,” he told the disgraced lawyer, his lawyers admitted during his trial killed his wife and son, who were drug addicts and spent up to $50,000 per week on opioids.
Despite the lenient tone of Satterfield, the family lawyer, Eric BlandHe wasn’t so kind, telling Murdaugh that he “feels good because (Murdaugh) will never breathe a breath of fresh air again.” Gloria’s sister also asked Murdaugh, “Don’t you have a soul?”
Murdaugh apologized to his victims, telling them he had done “horrible things” but he still “cares about each and every one of you.” “Very sorry”said.
The double murderer, who a jury ruled shot his wife Maggie and son Paul in 2021, appeared apathetic throughout the trial, only occasionally putting on reading glasses to look at documents.
Waters accused Murdaugh of using his “trust, power and influence” to carry out his plans. This included lying to his grieving mother about receiving a $30,000 settlement when he actually received $183,000 and pocketing the rest.
“This was the only way these plans could have been implemented,” Waters said in court.
Earlier this year, the father of two was sentenced to two life sentences for murdering his loved ones. Murdaugh maintains his innocence and said at his hearing that he “would never hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son Paw Paw.” His lawyers are currently trying to persuade the state to grant him a new trial.
Murdaugh has another son, Buster, 26, who appeared apathetic during his father’s various procedures. Buster wasn’t in court today, but his father spoke to him when the court allowed him to speak.
“Buster, I’m so sorry I let you down. “I am very sorry that I could not be with you in such difficult times,” he said to his son, who was not in court today. He told Buster that “his whole family is proud of you,” including Maggie, “Paw Paw,” and him.