Former SC banker Russell Laffitte to appear for change of plea hearing

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A former South Carolina banker accused of defrauding victims of millions of dollars is scheduled to appear in a Charleston courtroom.

Russell Laffitte was the former CEO of Palmetto State Bank. He was convicted of several bank and wire fraud charges back in November 2022 for helping former attorney and convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh steal millions from victims.

Laffitte’s conviction was overturned in 2024 based on juror errors during the trial that violated Laffitte’s Fifth Amendment rights. On Monday, Laffitte again pleaded guilty to six counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and misuse of funds related to the charges.

The change of plea hearing is set for 10 a.m. at the federal courthouse in downtown Charleston.