CHARLESTON, S.C. — A banker charged with helping disbarred attorney Alex Murdaugh take money from the legal settlements of clients was found guilty late Tuesday of wire and bank fraud charges in South Carolina.
Former Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte was allowed to remain free on bail as he awaits sentencing at a later date. Each of the six charges he was convicted of in federal court carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
It was the first trial related to the sprawling Murdaugh legal drama that has captivated true-crime audiences.
Murdaugh is charged with killing his wife and son and his murder trial is set to start in January.