CHARLESTON, S.C. — Richard Alexander, 54, of Charleston County, and Marie Drakeford Cunningham, 58, of York County, are facing multiple charges following a joint investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in connection with two separate financial scams.
The Alleged Schemes
Both individuals were arrested in North Carolina and later transported back to South Carolina. Alexander was arrested on January 15, while Cunningham was apprehended on January 30. They were re-arrested on February 3 in Darlington County following SLED’s involvement. The charges stem from two separate incidents in 2022, in which the duo allegedly defrauded victims of substantial sums.
In the first incident, which occurred in Lee County on June 3, 2022, Alexander and Cunningham are accused of using false representations to obtain more than $17,500 from a victim with the intent to defraud them.
The second incident took place on August 2, 2022, in Darlington County. According to SLED, Alexander and Cunningham conspired to deceive a victim and obtained a check for $19,000 through false pretenses.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Both Alexander and Cunningham have been charged with four counts of criminal conspiracy and obtaining property or signatures under false pretenses in amounts exceeding $10,000. They were booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center but were released on $15,000 bonds.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case, continuing to pursue justice for the victims of these alleged scams.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by SLED to combat financial crimes and hold individuals accountable for exploiting victims.
