A federal South Carolina judge sentenced Alex Murdaugh to another 480 months, or 40 years, in prison on Monday after the former personal injury lawyer pleaded guilty to 22 federal financial crimes charges in September of last year.
U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel said he was committed to impose 480 months and mandatory restitution totaling more than $9 million. Because the defendant does not have the ability to pay restitution, however, Gergel waived the fee and required Murdaugh to pay $2,000 in special assessment immediately.
“I do want you to know and all of the victims to know I am filled with sorrow. I am filled with remorse. I am filled with guilt,” Murdaugh said Monday.
Muraugh’s attorney, Jim Griffin, told reporters outside the Charleston courthouse on Monday that he’s not sure how much of the 40-year sentence his client will end up serving.
“Federal inmates are doing approximately 60% of their sentence. So at 40 years, that would equate to 24 years,” Griffin said, adding that “things can change over time.”
Eric Bland, an attorney representing victims of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, including Gloria Satterfield’s family, said it was “offensive” to equate Murdaugh’s victims with the victims of Bernie Madoff, Samuel Bankman-Fried, or Enron victims.
