The U.S. Department of Justice has charged a former Lowcountry attorney with wire fraud and money laundering for defrauding his clients and firm of at least $1.5 million.
William Swett, 42, of Johns Island, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. The former personal injury attorney worked at a Mt. Pleasant law firm—representing individuals in civil claims following death, injury, and other loss.
According to the charging documents, from at least 2018 through 2024, Swett created legal services companies and billed his law firm and clients for work that was never performed, as well as for inflated and improper expenses, all while concealing his ties to those companies.
The charging documents go on to read that Swett also sought reimbursements for fictitious clients, fabricated wrongful death and personal injury claims, and falsified medical records and other documents — routing the money through accounts he controlled and using the funds for his own personal benefit.
Swett faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the prison sentence.