William Christopher Swett, a former Mount Pleasant personal injury attorney, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering after allegedly stealing more than $1.5 million from clients and his law firm, federal court records show.
Swett, formerly representing clients in asbestos, mesothelioma, and other personal injury cases, submitted fraudulent reimbursement requests for fake clients, fabricated injury and death claims, and falsified medical records from at least 2018 to 2024. He created legal services companies, billed clients and the firm for services he never provided, and laundered the money through accounts he controlled for personal use.
Swett worked for a Mount Pleasant-based law firm and, according to public records, for the Motley Rice Law Firm. His legal license was suspended by the Supreme Court in May 2024. Court documents indicate that Swett directed his wife, who worked as a paralegal at the firm, to submit some fraudulent reimbursement requests, though it is unclear whether she faces charges.
He faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Swett’s attorney, Nathan Williams, stated that Swett “made poor and regretful decisions” while struggling with personal challenges but has since taken steps to make amends. Law firm spokesperson Alicia Ward said, “We await the next steps in this criminal prosecution regarding this former employee.”
