COLUMBIA — Russell Laffitte, the former bank executive and close associate of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, pleaded guilty to a litany of state charges ahead of his sentencing on related federal charges next week.

In a deal accepted Sept. 25, Laffitte agreed to plead guilty to roughly half of the 21 state charges against him. In return, the former executive of Palmetto State Bank would receive a prison term of eight years for his role in helping Murdaugh steal from his legal clients.

An additional five-year sentence would be suspended if he successfully completes probation and 350 hours of community service.

As part of the deal, the state of South Carolina liquidated more than $3.55 million in bank stock as restitution for the victims, and ordered all licenses he held with the Feder

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