Columbia, SC – A significant legal ruling last week has tripled the restitution amount against Cory Fleming, an accomplice of Alex Murdaugh, increasing the payback to a staggering $3.75 million, a court determined. The additional hefty sum arises from attorney fees accrued by Nautilus Insurance Co., a setback to Fleming, who once served as a South Carolina attorney and close associate of Murdaugh, a convicted murderer known for his infamous criminal activities.
Fleming came under legal scrutiny after it was revealed that he had aided Murdaugh in misappropriating millions from insurance settlements. Nautilus Insurance, which had previously covered liability on Murdaugh’s property, brought a civil lawsuit against Fleming. This followed the mysterious death of Murdaugh’s housekeeper on his premises, initially reported as a fall. The insurance company was granted $1.25 million by a jury, who added a symbolic $50 in punitive damages as a judgment against Fleming.
However, U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel quickly intervened, deeming the jury’s award insufficient given the breach’s magnitude. Citing South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, which mandates treble damages for intentional violations, Gergel augmented Fleming’s financial responsibility to compensate Nautilus.
In his ruling, Gergel harshly critiqued the unethical conduct of Fleming, who he stated played a pivotal role in enabling Murdaugh to divert over $4 million from settlement funds intended for Murdaugh’s deceased housekeeper, Glorida Satterfield. After her death, Murdaugh had convinced Satterfield’s family to let his law firm manage the compensation funds which he subsequently, alongside Fleming, funneled for personal gain.
The fallout from these actions continued as Murdaugh himself faced multiple charges and convictions. In 2023, alongside being convicted for the murder of his wife and son, Murdaugh admitted to his opioid addiction clouding his judgment and pleaded guilty to 27 financial crimes, which included the conspiracy with Fleming. Murdaugh is now responsible for a colossal $14.8 million payment to Nautilus as adjudicated in a separate trial.
Furthermore, while Fleming has accepted guilt for his role in the scheme and is currently incarcerated, questions about both Murdaugh and Fleming’s ability to fulfill these financial obligations remain unanswered. The court has yet to determine whether any significant assets remain after exhaustive legal battles.
As this legal saga unfolds, Gergel has ordered Nautilus’ attorneys to compile a detailed account of the legal expenses incurred, aiming to finalize all financial debates shortly. The proceedings highlight a cautionary tale about the intersections of legal authority, trust, and betrayal.
Nautilus Insurance, an excess and surplus lines carrier established in 1985 and based in Arizona, now finds a modicum of closure as it seeks to recoup significant financial losses. The company, part of the W.R. Berkley Corp., handles various commercial line insurance tasks and has been central to this controversial case.
While the recent court decisions may offer some vindication for Nautilus and the victims’ families, the residual effects of Murdaugh and Fleming’s actions continue to resonate, underscoring deep legal and ethical violations in South Carolina’s justice circles.
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