Former South Carolina lawyer Cory Fleming has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for his role in a scheme to embezzle funds from the family of his longtime friend, disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh. The sentencing was delivered by Judge Richard Gergel after Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud earlier this year. The scheme involved diverting insurance payouts that were intended for the sons of Murdaugh's housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who tragically passed away in 2018.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that after Satterfield's death, Murdaugh falsely claimed that his dogs were responsible for her fatal fall down the stairs at his family's property. In a bid to appear helpful, he promised to provide financial support to Satterfield's sons in a civil lawsuit where he would be the defendant. To execute this plan, Murdaugh enlisted the help of Fleming, who had graduated law school with him in the 1990s, to represent the sons and bring a claim against him.

The insurance settlement for the case was obtained, but instead of ensuring the funds reached Satterfield's sons, Fleming misappropriated the money for personal gain. He submitted a fraudulent disbursement sheet to the court, claiming nonexistent expenses and effectively stealing the insurance payout. Further investigation discovered that Fleming had issued checks from additional insurance payouts to a fake account created by Murdaugh. The duo then used these funds for their personal expenses.

In May 2022, Murdaugh signed a confession of judgment admitting that he had defrauded Satterfield's sons out of the full insurance payout, totaling $4.3 million.

During Fleming's sentencing, several character letters were submitted on his behalf, highlighting his reputation as a charitable individual who had made positive contributions to his community. Members of Satterfield's family were present at the hearing and spoke about their mother's tragic demise and Fleming's role in the fraudulent 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 allegedly been involved in a separate scheme with Murdaugh and Fleming, also addressed the court and forgave Fleming for his actions.

Expressing remorse, Fleming delivered a 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 never be enough and vowed to spend the remainder of his life making amends for his actions.

Prosecutors acknowledged Fleming's cooperation with the government, his admission of guilt, and recommended the 46-month sentence that Judge Gergel ultimately imposed. Following the hearing, Fleming voluntarily surrendered himself to U.S. Marshals and will serve his federal sentence concurrently with any state charges he may face. His state sentencing is scheduled for the fall.

Meanwhile, Alex Murdaugh, who is already serving life sentences for the murder of his wife and son, continues to face over 100 charges in state and federal courts. These charges span from stealing money from clients and his family's law firm to operating a drug and money laundering ring, tax evasion, and even attempting to orchestrate his own murder for life insurance money. The investigation into Murdaugh's activities began in June 2021, following the tragic deaths of his wife and son.

With Cory Fleming's sentencing, another individual connected to Murdaugh has been held accountable for their involvement in his criminal endeavors. 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 currently appealing his conviction and sentence.

The sentencing of Cory Fleming represents another significant development in the ongoing investigation into the extensive criminal enterprise orchestrated by Alex Murdaugh. As the case continues to unfold, it is anticipated that more revelations will emerge, shedding further light on one of the most significant scandals in modern South Carolina history.