A former South Carolina lawmaker and attorney is facing serious federal charges for allegedly cheating his clients out of money. Marvin Pendarvis, who represented the Charleston area, was indicted on Wednesday by a federal grand jury on 10 counts, including wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Prosecutors say that between 2022 and 2024, Pendarvis settled cases for his clients but did not tell them when he received the settlement money. Instead, he is accused of keeping the funds for himself or giving clients less than what was agreed upon. According to court documents, Pendarvis deposited more than half a million dollars into his law firm’s trust account but did not pay the clients any of it.
Pendarvis’ legal troubles first became public last year when his law license was suspended. That suspension came after a former client claimed Pendarvis forged the client’s signature to settle a lawsuit without permission. The client also shared text messages from Pendarvis urging him not to sue over the alleged forgery. The conversation included Pendarvis telling the client, “Let’s handle this (expletive). No need to try and hurt me man. I can help you.”
Pendarvis was first elected in a 2017 special election and won three full terms before resigning about four months after his law license was suspended. He had been practicing personal injury and criminal defense law.
He is scheduled to appear in federal court on November 18. Efforts to reach Pendarvis for comment were unsuccessful. The case shines a harsh light on how those in public office and legal positions must uphold trust, especially with vulnerable clients.