Peter J. Strauss, a lawyer from Hilton Head, South Carolina, has been sentenced to nine months in federal prison for his role in transferring $3 million to prevent its lawful seizure. The funds were connected to Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, owners of DC Solar Solutions, Inc. and DC Solar Distribution, Inc., which were involved in an investment fraud and money laundering scheme.
Strauss was found to have directed the transfer of $3 million from an account in the Bahamas into his trust account for personal use after federal search and seizure warrants were executed on DC Solar's businesses and the Carpoffs' residences. The investigation revealed that Strauss received a total of $11 million from the Carpoffs following these warrants.
In December 2018, $5 million was transferred into Strauss’ trust account and distributed among various legal fees and insurance funds managed by Strauss' company. Another $3 million was received later that month for insurance fund premiums. In January 2019, a final transfer of $3 million was made to Strauss’ trust account.
Jeff Carpoff pleaded guilty to money laundering and wire fraud in January 2020, receiving a 30-year prison sentence. Paulette Carpoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in November 2021 and was sentenced to over 11 years.
Strauss admitted guilt in November 2023 for removing property to prevent seizure, acknowledging he knowingly aided the transfer of funds against government authority. U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel imposed the nine-month sentence with two years of court-ordered supervision following imprisonment. Strauss has paid $2.7 million in restitution as per his plea agreement.
The FBI Columbia Field Office conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuting the case.
