Judges deny Murdaugh appeal of financial crimes sentence

On October 2, 2024By Rgal Nv

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – A three-judge panel denied an appeal by disbarred Lowcountry attorney Alex Murdaugh on a 40-year prison sentence for financial crimes.

Murdaugh was sentenced in April after entering guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, bank fraud, five counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and 14 counts of money laundering.

A report by federal agents recommended a prison sentence between 17.5 and just under 22 years. But US District Judge Richard Gergel said he imposed a harsher sentence than requested because Murdaugh stole from “the most needy, vulnerable people” like a client who became a quadriplegic after a crash, a state trooper who was injured on the job, and a trust fund meant for children whose parents were killed in a wreck.

Murdaugh filed the appeal in July, arguing the sentence violated his Eight Amendment rights. That amendment says courts cannot impose excessive fines, excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment.

Murdaugh’s attorneys argued the sentence is a de facto life sentence for the 55-year-old, who is already serving a life sentence without parole in a state prison for killing his wife and son.

Prosecutors opposed the appeal, arguing that he signed an appeal waiver as part of the plea agreement.

The panel, in denying Murdaugh’s attempt to get the sentence shortened, wrote, “we conclude that Murdaugh knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to appeal.” Judges also stated Murdaugh “failed to demonstrate an acceptable reason” why his appeal waiver should not be enforced.