William Christopher Swett, a 42-year-old attorney from Johns Island, has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering after allegedly defrauding his employer and clients of at least $1.5 million. The charges stem from Swett’s time as a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
According to court documents, between 2018 and 2024, Swett orchestrated a scheme in which he created legal services companies and billed both the law firm and its clients for services that were either not performed or grossly inflated. He did not disclose his connection to these companies.
Prosecutors allege that Swett also submitted reimbursement requests for non-existent clients, invented death and injury claims, and falsified medical records along with other documentation to support his fraudulent activities. To hide the source of the funds, he is accused of laundering the money through accounts under his control before using it for personal gain.
Swett has agreed to plead guilty to four counts each of wire fraud and money laundering. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Additional penalties could include a fine of up to $250,000, restitution payments, and three years of supervised release following any prison term.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is leading the prosecution.
"This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the case."
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