A federal grand jury has indicted Marvin Rashad Pendarvis, a former South Carolina state legislator and personal injury attorney from Charleston, on charges including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Pendarvis allegedly managed claims and lawsuits for clients but in some cases forged their signatures and withheld settlement funds. The indictment states that he received at least $532,000 in settlements without providing any portion to his clients.
If convicted, Pendarvis could face up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud and money laundering charges. Each count of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison term.
Pendarvis was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Molly Cherry on November 18 and was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the inquiry. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Bower and Whit Sowards are handling the prosecution.
Authorities emphasize that all charges are accusations at this stage. “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.”
