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Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty in South Carolina, Securing Concurrent State–Federal Sentence

The deal consolidates the prosecutions to finalize restitution alongside a lifetime banking ban.

Russell Laffitte waits to plead guilty in state court to bank fraud charges for his role in helping Alex Murdaugh steal money, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
Russell Laffitte waits to plead guilty in state court to bank fraud charges for his role in helping Alex Murdaugh steal money, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General Creighton Waters presents the state's case against Russell Laffitte as he pleads guilty in state court to bank fraud charges for his role in helping Alex Murdaugh steal money, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General Creighton Waters presents the state's case against Russell Laffitte as he pleads guilty in state court to bank fraud charges for his role in helping Alex Murdaugh steal money, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Overview

  • He admitted guilt to eight state counts on Sept. 25, with an eight-year state term to run at the same time as a proposed five-year federal sentence.
  • South Carolina liquidated more than $3.55 million in Palmetto State Bank stock for victim restitution, with about $281,000 still to be addressed, likely at the federal hearing.
  • All FDIC licenses he held are revoked for life, and a separate five-year state term will be suspended if he completes probation and 350 hours of community service.
  • Federal sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29 in Charleston and state sentencing for Oct. 13, with credits for time served placing his expected release around May 2027.
  • Prosecutors said he helped Alex Murdaugh siphon about $1.9 million, loaned himself roughly $340,000, and collected substantial fees while overseeing funds for vulnerable clients including the Pinckney and Badger matters.