A former Lowcountry attorney has agreed to plead guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering stemming from a scheme to defraud his law firm and clients of at least $1.5 million, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
William Christopher Swett, 42, of Johns Island, South Carolina, faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervised release following any prison sentence, according to court documents.
Swett worked as a personal injury attorney at a Mt. Pleasant law firm, representing individuals in civil claims related to death, injury, and other losses. Between 2018 and 2024, prosecutors allege Swett created legal services companies and then billed both his firm and his clients for function that was never actually performed. He too allegedly inflated expenses and concealed his connections to these companies.
The indictment further alleges that Swett submitted reimbursements for fictitious clients, fabricated wrongful death and personal injury claims, and falsified medical records and other documentation. The funds obtained through these fraudulent schemes were then routed through accounts he controlled for his personal use.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Brook Andrews, is leading the prosecution. The case involves collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Swett has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. A court date for the formal plea has not yet been announced.
