Alex Murdaugh sentenced 27 years state prison financial crimes

Disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh sentenced to 27 years in prison for financial crimes. Judge calls it 'stern sentence'.

Disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has been handed an additional 27-year state prison sentence for financial crimes, on top of the life sentences he is already serving for the murder of his wife and younger son. The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to 22 counts earlier this month, including fraud and money laundering, and his plea agreement was accepted by Judge Clifton Newman.

The financial crimes Murdaugh was accused of involved stealing millions of dollars from his law firm and clients. State prosecutor Creighton Waters described the plea deal as a "unique and unprecedented sentence" for white-collar crimes, and noted that Murdaugh will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, or more than 22 years, under the terms of the agreement.

Waters also highlighted that Murdaugh had taken more than $12 million from vulnerable individuals who trusted him while working as a personal injury attorney at his Hampton County law firm. The judge, who also presided over Murdaugh's murder trial, described the sentence as "stern" and expressed disappointment at seeing Murdaugh in that setting again. He called Murdaugh "empty" and expressed hope that "something will emerge within your soul".

Victims and their family members addressed the court prior to Murdaugh's sentencing, providing a sense of closure for those affected by his actions. The judge's comments and the emotional impact of the case highlight the severity of the crimes committed and the consequences for those involved.