William Christopher Swett, a 42-year-old attorney from Johns Island, has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering after allegedly defrauding his Mt. Pleasant law firm and its clients of at least $1.5 million.
According to federal charging documents, Swett worked as a personal injury attorney representing clients in civil claims related to death, injury, and other losses. Authorities allege that from 2018 through 2024, Swett orchestrated a scheme where he created legal services companies and billed both the law firm and its clients for services that were either never performed or grossly inflated. He is also accused of concealing his involvement with these companies from both his employer and clients.
Prosecutors state that Swett submitted reimbursement requests for non-existent clients, fabricated death and personal injury claims, and falsified medical records along with other documentation to carry out the scheme. The funds obtained through these means were laundered through accounts under his control before being used for his personal benefit.
Swett has agreed to plead guilty to four counts each of wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 per count, restitution payments, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The FBI Columbia Field Office led the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the matter.
“###
