RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Russell Laffitte, the former head of Palmetto State Bank and an associate of Alex Murdaugh, will be in a Richland County courtroom this Thursday for a state court session.
Laffitte admitted to numerous federal financial crimes in April this year. Although a jury found him guilty in November 2022, the verdict was overturned by an appeal court in November 2024, leading to a short retrial.
He assisted Alex Murdaugh, a former lawyer from Hampton County who was convicted of murder, in diverting millions of dollars intended for clients into his personal accounts.
Laffitte’s legal team successfully contested the case, with the conviction being reversed due to mistakes made by the jury that infringed on Laffitte’s Fifth Amendment rights.
During an April hearing this year, Laffitte admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and three counts of improper use of bank funds.
Thursday’s hearing will be held at the Richland County Courthouse at 2 pm.
