A South Carolina federal judge has ordered Alex Murdaugh and his accomplice, Cory Fleming, to pay millions for orchestrating an insurance fraud scheme that stole over $4 million meant for the family of Murdaugh’s housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.
Judge Richard Gergel issued a $14.8 million judgment against Murdaugh and a $3.75 million judgment against Fleming, a former attorney and longtime friend of Murdaugh. These judgments followed a civil trial brought by Nautilus Insurance Company, which sought damages from the fraudulent scheme.
The case began after Satterfield’s fatal fall on the front steps of Murdaugh’s hunting estate, Moselle. Murdaugh convinced Satterfield’s sons to file a claim against his insurance, promising compensation. Instead, Murdaugh and Fleming embezzled the settlement funds, leaving the family empty-handed.
Murdaugh admitted to fabricating a story about his dogs causing Satterfield’s death to create liability and secure insurance payouts. “He intended to, and did in fact, steal,” Judge Gergel noted in his January 2 ruling.
Fleming faced trial for his role in facilitating the fraud. The court found that he committed “multiple acts of unfair and deceptive practices” and acted willfully in violating the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. While a jury initially awarded $1.25 million in damages, Gergel tripled the amount to $3.75 million, citing the severity of Fleming’s actions.
“Fleming’s unfair and deceptive acts played a critical role in Murdaugh’s ability to ultimately steal over $4 million in settlement funds,” Gergel stated in the settlement order.
The fraudulent settlement funds were part of over 100 financial crimes tied to Murdaugh, including millions stolen from his law firm clients. These crimes have compounded the disgraced attorney’s legal troubles. Murdaugh is already serving two life sentences for the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Prosecutors argued the murders were a distraction to hide his mounting financial crimes.
While Murdaugh appeals his double murder convictions, the financial fraud cases continue to unfold. Nautilus Insurance Company’s lawsuit against other entities linked to the Satterfield scheme remains active.
The Gloria Satterfield case has become a cornerstone of the unraveling Murdaugh crime saga, symbolizing the betrayal of trust by two lawyers who exploited a grieving family for personal gain.
#AlexMurdaugh #GloriaSatterfield #InsuranceFraud #CoryFleming #TrueCrime #SouthCarolina #LegalNews
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