Former South Carolina lawyer sentenced to almost four years in prison for defrauding the estate of Alex Murdaugh’s housekeeper. Cory Fleming, who had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was given a 46-month sentence by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel. The scheme involved diverting insurance funds intended for Gloria Satterfield’s sons after her death in 2018. The case emerged as authorities investigated Alex Murdaugh’s involvement in criminal activities. Fleming, the second associate of Murdaugh’s to be imprisoned, still faces state charges related to the scheme.

Fleming and Murdaugh graduated from the University of South Carolina’s law school in the mid-1990s. After Gloria Satterfield passed away due to injuries sustained from a fall on Murdaugh’s property, Murdaugh claimed responsibility and promised financial support for her sons in a civil lawsuit. Fleming was asked to represent the sons and bring a claim against Murdaugh. However, Fleming took control of the insurance settlement funds and submitted a fraudulent disbursement sheet to the court. He later issued checks to a fake account created by Murdaugh, resulting in misused funds for personal gain.

During Tuesday’s sentencing, Fleming’s lawyer presented 62 character letters from supporters. Family members of Satterfield, as well as other victims of the scheme, addressed the court. Despite forgiving Fleming, they emphasized the impact of his actions on their lives. Justin Bamberg, another lawyer involved in the case, highlighted the prolonged nature of Fleming’s fraudulent activities. Judge Gergel acknowledged that although Murdaugh was the mastermind, others willingly participated in the scheme and were rewarded.

Expressing remorse, Fleming apologized to the affected families, his community, and former colleagues. He recognized that his apology might not be enough to make amends for his actions and vowed to spend the rest of his life trying to do so. Prosecutors recognized Fleming’s cooperation with the government and recommended the 46-month sentence.

This case is one of many surrounding Alex Murdaugh, who faces numerous charges ranging from client theft and money laundering to tax evasion and attempting to arrange his own murder for insurance purposes. Since the investigation into his life began in June 2021, one associate has already been imprisoned, and Murdaugh himself awaits trial for over 100 charges. Fleming remains subject to state charges related to the Satterfield case, with his state sentencing scheduled for the fall.

The sentencing of former South Carolina lawyer, Cory Fleming, has shed further light on the criminal activities surrounding Alex Murdaugh’s affairs. Fleming, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiring to commit wire fraud, received a prison sentence of 46 months from U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel. The scheme involved diverting insurance funds intended for the sons of Gloria Satterfield, Murdaugh’s former housekeeper. This case comes as investigators continue to probe Murdaugh’s involvement in a range of criminal activities, which have already resulted in another associate being imprisoned. Fleming still faces state charges related to the Satterfield case.