Former attorney Alex Murdaugh receives a 40-year federal prison sentence for financial crimes, exceeding prosecutors’ recommendations.
Former attorney Alex Murdaugh has been handed a 40-year prison sentence for his involvement in a series of financial crimes. The sentencing took place in federal court on Monday, where Murdaugh pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen charges, including conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering.
This federal sentence comes on top of the 27 years Murdaugh is already serving in state prison for similar offenses. Both cases revolve around schemes where Murdaugh, now disbarred, defrauded his personal injury clients and law firm of millions of dollars.
Despite maintaining his innocence in the murders of his wife and son, Murdaugh admitted to committing fraud. He attributed some of his actions to an opioid addiction but acknowledged knowing better.
US District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel presided over the sentencing, which exceeded prosecutors’ recommendations. The judge emphasized the devastating impact of Murdaugh’s crimes on vulnerable individuals and dismissed claims that his addiction fully explained his actions.
In addition to the lengthy prison term, Murdaugh has been ordered to pay over $8.7 million in restitution to his victims. This sentence will run concurrently with his existing state prison term.
Murdaugh’s defense sought a lighter sentence, but Judge Gergel opted for an “upward variance” to serve as a deterrent for other white-collar criminals.
With two life sentences for the murders of his family members and now a 40-year federal prison term, Murdaugh faces a significant period behind bars. Prosecutors intend to keep certain FBI statements confidential as they continue investigating missing funds and potential accomplices.
This sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga for Alex Murdaugh, whose actions have had far-reaching consequences for his victims and his own future.