COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina banker who prosecutors said helped Alex Murdaugh move millions of dollars around to avoid detection of his thefts in exchange for a share of the money will spend at least five years in prison.

Russell Laffitte pleaded guilty Thursday to eight counts in state court. Laffitte’s plea was part of a complex deal with federal prosecutors that should wrap up his criminal case by the end of October and keep him in federal prison until around May 2027.

Laffitte is one of several people investigators said were ensnared by Murdaugh as he stole millions from his law firm and clients in wrongful death and serious injury cases.

Murdaugh is serving a life sentence for the killings of his wife and son in 2021. While admitting to the thefts, he adamantly denies t

See Full Page