In a shocking turn of events, former South Carolina lawyer Cory Fleming has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme to steal funds from the family of his longtime friend, disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh. Judge Richard Gergel handed down the sentence after Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud earlier this year. The scheme involved diverting insurance payouts intended for the sons of Murdaugh's housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died in 2018.

The court heard that after Satterfield's death, Murdaugh falsely claimed that his dogs were responsible for her fall down the stairs at his family's property. He promised to financially support Satterfield's sons in a civil lawsuit where he would be the defendant. Murdaugh asked Fleming, who had graduated law school with him in the '90s, to represent the sons and bring a claim against him. Insurance settled the case, and Fleming took control of the funds. He then submitted a fraudulent disbursement sheet to the court, claiming expenses that did not exist.

Further investigation revealed that Fleming issued checks from additional insurance payouts to a fake account created by Murdaugh, and the two used the funds for personal purposes. In May 2022, Murdaugh signed a confession of judgment admitting to defrauding Satterfield's sons out of the total insurance payout of $4.3 million.

During Fleming's sentencing, several character letters were submitted on his behalf, emphasizing his reputation as a charitable individual who had positively contributed to his community. Members of Satterfield's family attended the hearing and spoke about their mother's death and Fleming's role in the scheme. Ginger Hadwin, Satterfield's sister, forgave Fleming but made it clear that she would never forget what he had done. Pamela Pinckney, who had been involved in a separate scheme allegedly involving Murdaugh and Fleming, also addressed the court, forgiving Fleming for his actions.

Fleming expressed remorse during his statement, apologizing to the victims' families, his community, and his former colleagues in the South Carolina Bar Association. He acknowledged that his apology would likely not be sufficient and promised to spend the rest of his life making amends for his actions. Prosecutors noted that Fleming had cooperated with the government and admitted his mistake, recommending the 46-month sentence that the judge ultimately imposed.

Fleming voluntarily surrendered himself to U.S. Marshals at the end of the hearing and will serve his federal sentence concurrently with any state charges he faces. The state sentencing is scheduled for the fall.

Meanwhile, Murdaugh, who is already serving life sentences for the murder of his wife and son, still faces more than 100 charges in state and federal courts. These charges range from stealing from clients and his family's law firm to running a drug and money laundering ring, tax evasion, and even attempting to arrange his own murder for life insurance money. The investigation into Murdaugh's activities began in June 2021, following the deaths of his wife and son.

With Fleming's sentencing, another associate of Murdaugh has been held accountable for their involvement in his criminal activities. Russell Laffitte, a former banker, was sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this month for aiding Murdaugh in stealing money from settlements. Laffitte is appealing his conviction and sentence.

The sentencing of Cory Fleming marks another milestone in the ongoing investigation into the extensive criminal enterprise orchestrated by Alex Murdaugh. As the case continues to unfold, more revelations are expected, shedding light on one of the most significant scandals in modern South Carolina history.