(WCIV) — Former banker and alleged Alex Murdaugh co-conspirator Russell Laffitte plead guilty to federal fraud charges last week, according to court documents filed Monday. As a top official at Palmetto State Bank at the time, Laffitte is accused of working with Murdaugh to defraud the c onvicted killer’s own clients. Documents show Laffitte plead guilty to six counts in total: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud Bank fraud Wire fraud Misapplication of bank funds (three counts) Federal attorneys, Laffitte, and his lawyer Mark C. Moore agreed in the plea that the banker “willfully” agreed to enter an agreement to commit the crimes alleged, knowingly executed or attempted to execute them, and acted with intent to inflict financial injury to Palmetto State Bank or defraud it. Laffitte was originally scheduled for trial on May 5 after a retrial was ordered in November 2024, when the replacement of a deliberating juror caused his original 2023 federal conviction to be vacated. If convicted, Laffitte could have faced a maximum sentence of decades and millions of dollars in financial penalties. Under the plea agreement filed Monday, Laffitte agreed to pay over $3.5 million in criminal restitution to the Federal Clerk of Court before sentencing, 60 months imprisonment, and subsequent supervised release if enforced. All six charges Laffitte faced carry maximum supervised release sentences of no more than 5 years. The former Palmetto State Bank CEO will not be allowed to work at any federally insured bank or credit union without prior consent. Categories: Local News, News, State Tags: Alex Murdaugh, Russell Laffitte ...read more read less