South Carolina Money Laundering Charge Defense Attorneys

A South Carolina Money Laundering Charge is a serious crime with serious consequences.  A  money laundering allegation typically appears combined with other allegations, including a drug crimes charge, fraud, or an allegation that the accused person has obtained money or other property illegally.

South Carolina money laundering charges are more common than you think. As recently as Tuesday, June 10th, a South Carolina business owner  was indicted on federal charges for running an illegal gambling operation out of a business called “Magic Minutes.” The charges included money laundering.

The indictment alleged that, between January 2011 to present, the business owner worked with other people and groups to finance illegal gambling operations in the state of South Carolina, as well as owning and distributing several video poker machines, which were outlawed in South Carolina as illegal gambling devices in 2000. The SC business owner has also been charged with receiving bets – illegal under South Carolina law – and conducting illicit financial transactions of $10,000 or more, a federal money laundering crime.

Federal investigators who are looking into the illegal gambling operation say the operation could be linked for former Sheriff James Metts who was recently indicted on federal charges and released on a $100,000 bond.

The federal illegal gambling investigation into the SC business on June 17th led to the indictment of Metts and three other suspects for alleged misconduct involving the custody of illegal immigrants, and accepting bribes to release jailed illegal immigrants to their families in the US.

It is unclear what the business owner has told federal investigators about the illegal gambling machines, but his business has been a matter of controversy in the Columbia area for years. His machines can be found in convenience stores across the Midlands.

18 USC 1956 establishes that money laundering is a crime. If you are convicted of South Carolina money laundering, you face a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine of not more than $500,000 or twice the value of the property in the transaction.  Penalties can also include criminal forfeiture (forfeiture of assets).

Defending South Carolina Money Laundering Charges

The most common defense to money laundering is lack of knowledge or intent. The money laundering defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC, may be able to establsih that you did not intend to promote unlawful activity or that the transaction was not designed to conceal the unlawful activity

Our South Carolina money laundering defense attorneys represent clients under investigation or facing money laundering charges consisting of:

• Illegal wire transfers/wire fraud
• Failure to report transactions over $10,000 and
• Bank fraud

The Strom Law Firm Defends Against State and Federal Criminal Charges, Including South Carolina Money Laundering Charges

Our firm was founded by Pete Strom, the former US Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He, along with his team of attorneys, will zealously represent you in any state or federal court in South Carolina against criminal charges, including illegal gambling. Don’t miss out on your one opportunity to protect your rights and maintain your freedom. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have over 30 years of experience collectively. We offer free, confidential consultations. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800.