Conviction of Russell Laffitte, Alex Murdaugh’s Banker, Overturned Due to Juror Mismanagement

A federal appeals court overturned the conviction and seven-year prison sentence of Russell Laffitte, the former CEO of Palmetto State Bank, who had been convicted of multiple counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The decision, made by a three-judge panel from the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, found significant constitutional violations during Laffitte’s trial that led to the ruling.

The judges focused on Judge Richard Gergel’s handling of a juror identified as Juror Number 88. The jury had been deliberating for nearly eight hours when Juror 88 wrote a note stating she was experiencing anxiety and struggled with reactions from fellow jurors. However, she told Judge Gergel that she could continue her duties. Despite this, the judge dismissed her, along with another juror who had a medical issue, and replaced them with alternates. Laffitte and his legal team were not present during this critical exchange.

The appellate panel, consisting of Judges G. Steven Agee, Stephanie Thacker, and Toby J. Heytens, ruled unanimously that Judge Gergel violated Laffitte’s Fifth Amendment right to be present and his Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury. The panel expressed concern that the reconstituted jury quickly returned a guilty verdict less than an hour after the alternates were seated.

“Our concerns are heightened in view of Juror No. 88’s statement that others disagreed with her ‘decision,’ and that, after nearly eight hours of deliberations, the reconstituted jury returned a guilty verdict in less than an hour later,” the judges wrote in their opinion.

This mismanagement of the jury raises significant questions about the integrity of the original trial. Billy Wilkins, Laffitte’s attorney, argued that his client was denied the protections guaranteed by the Constitution. “Russell Laffitte didn’t argue he was entitled to a perfect trial. He did successfully argue he was not provided the full protection of the rights and guarantees of our Constitution to which he like everyone else is entitled,” Wilkins stated.

Despite the appellate court’s ruling, prosecutors are resolute in their decision to retry the case. U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Adair Ford Boroughs emphasized that the decision does not change the strength of their evidence. “The ruling has no impact on the charges against Laffitte going forward. We respect the court’s decision and stand ready to prove Laffitte’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt a second time,” Boroughs said.

Laffitte, who began serving his prison sentence in September, will likely be released on bond while awaiting his retrial. This comes as a relief to his defense, which has maintained his innocence throughout. Laffitte was charged with helping Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced attorney, steal millions from clients of his law firm. Laffitte’s alleged role involved managing settlement funds meant for Murdaugh’s clients, some of whom were vulnerable individuals, and funneling money to Murdaugh to cover mounting debts.

Murdaugh, who is serving life in prison for the murders of his wife and son, admitted to financial misconduct but continues to deny any involvement in the murders. His crimes have led to a complex web of legal proceedings for those associated with him, including Laffitte.

The upcoming retrial promises to be closely watched, as it could reshape the narrative surrounding Laffitte’s involvement. While the defense argues he was a victim of Murdaugh’s deception, prosecutors are adamant that Laffitte knowingly enabled Murdaugh’s fraudulent activities.

The appeals court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the importance of constitutional protections, even in high-profile cases. As the saga continues, all eyes will be on the retrial, where both sides will have another opportunity to make their case.
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