Former South Carolina House member indicted on federal charges of defrauding legal clients

Former South Carolina lawmaker Marvin Pendarvis is facing serious federal charges following an indictment handed down Wednesday by a federal grand jury. The former Democratic representative, who served the Charleston area, has been charged with 10 counts including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.

According to federal prosecutors, Pendarvis allegedly orchestrated a scheme from 2022 to 2024 that defrauded his own legal clients. The indictment details how Pendarvis, while practicing as an attorney, negotiated financial settlements for clients but failed to inform them when he received the funds. Instead, prosecutors claim he diverted the money for personal use.

The allegations suggest a pattern of deception where Pendarvis either completely concealed settlement funds from clients or disbursed significantly smaller amounts than what he had actually negotiated on their behalf. Federal authorities state that Pendarvis deposited more than $500,000 into his law firm’s trust account but provided none of these funds to the clients who were legally entitled to them.

This federal indictment follows earlier legal troubles for the former lawmaker. Last year, the South Carolina Supreme Court suspended Pendarvis’ law license after a former client accused him of forgery. The client alleged that Pendarvis forged his signature to reach a settlement without permission—an accusation that appears to align with one of the victims identified in the federal indictment.

Court documents from the state lawsuit, which remains pending, included text messages allegedly sent by Pendarvis to the client. In these messages, the former lawmaker appeared to plead with the client not to pursue legal action, writing, “Let’s handle this (expletive). No need to try and hurt me man. I can help you.”

The suspension of his law license marked the beginning of Pendarvis’ professional downfall. After serving in the South Carolina legislature since winning a special election in 2017, followed by three full terms, Pendarvis resigned from office approximately four months after his law license was suspended.

The case represents a significant fall from grace for a politician who had built a career both in law and public service. As an elected representative, Pendarvis was entrusted not only with his constituents’ interests but also, as an attorney, with his clients’ legal matters and financial settlements.

The alleged violations breach fundamental principles of attorney-client trust. Attorneys are bound by strict ethical guidelines regarding client funds, which typically require maintaining separate trust accounts and providing full disclosure about settlements and disbursements.

Federal charges of this nature carry potentially severe penalties. Wire fraud charges alone can result in up to 20 years in prison per count, while aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence. Money laundering charges could add substantial additional penalties.

Court records indicate that Pendarvis is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court on November 18, where he will likely be arraigned on the charges.

Multiple attempts to reach Pendarvis for comment were unsuccessful, and it remains unclear who will represent him in the federal case.

The indictment comes amid increased scrutiny of legal professionals across the country, with bar associations and courts taking more aggressive action against attorneys who mishandle client funds. The case highlights the serious consequences that can result when those in positions of public and professional trust allegedly abuse that authority for personal gain.