South Carolina sheriff charged with fraud

White collar crimes are among the most serious of offenses a person can be charged with. Some of these crimes are felonies, and they can result in long prison sentences, heavy fines and other penalties. Those convicted of white collar crimes may find the effects are even more far reaching than those associated with the standard felony charge. Often those accused are used to set an example by government agencies. However, because they involve a person’s intent, they may be among the more difficult crimes to prove.

A South Carolina sheriff is currently under investigation for criminal activities involving creating fraudulent police records. The Columbia man was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to the indictment, the sheriff conspired with one other man to earn money through fraudulent. Specifically, the men allegedly created false reports indicating that more than 130 people had overdue bills because of identity theft.

After the indictment, the sheriff was suspended from his office. The governor issued the suspension. At maximum, the men face 20 years of incarceration and fines not to exceed $250,000.

If you have been charged with fraud or another white collar crime, it is important to recognize the seriousness of the charges against you. You have rights that can protect you during an investigation and court trial, and you should know that a criminal charge does not necessarily lead to a conviction, and a conviction does not necessarily lead to jail time. To find a suitable resolution to your case, it is useful to understand South Carolina laws and the strength of the prosecution’s case against you.

Source: WBTW News 13, “Gov. Haley suspends Williamsburg County sheriff after wire fraud indictment,” Feb. 20, 2014