A federal grand jury has indicted Marvin Rashad Pendarvis, a 36-year-old attorney from Charleston and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, on charges including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Pendarvis used his position as a personal injury attorney to pursue claims and settlements for clients but allegedly forged their signatures and withheld settlement funds. Authorities claim he received at least $532,000 in settlements without paying any portion to his clients.
If convicted, Pendarvis could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and money laundering. Each aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two-year prison term.
Pendarvis appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Molly Cherry on November 18 for arraignment and was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Bower and Whit Sowards are handling the prosecution.
“All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” stated the release.
