Former SC Rep. Pendarvis indicted on wire fraud, identity theft, money laundering
Former state Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, who resigned in 2024, has been indicted in federal court on wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering.
The Charleston Democrat had his law license suspended last year after he was accused in a lawsuit of legal malpractice and of committing “unfair and deceptive practices” under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Wednesday’s federal indictment says Pendarvis filed lawsuits and negotiated settlements on behalf of his clients. But as part of the alleged scheme, Pendarvis did not tell clients of settlements he had obtained, fraudulently signed a client’s name on settlement releases with an insurance company, and in some situations filed settlement documents with the Clerk of Court without the knowledge of his clients.
Pendarvis obtained settlements totalling at least $532,000 that were deposited into his law firm’s bank account, and he did not pay his client any settlement money.
He wired $75,000 in June 2023 and $60,000 in August 2023 to accounts at a credit union account belonging to a person known to the grand jury.
His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 18 in Charleston.
Pendarvis did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
Pendarvis resigned from the state house in Sept. 2024 following a civil lawsuit that accused him of faking a client’s signature in order to secure a settlement that was far smaller than what he’d promised.
“He victimized people in need. It’s a betrayal of institutions and our profession,” said attorney Eric Bland, who filed the lawsuit against Pendarvis along with his law partner Ronnie Richter.
“Everything you’re not supposed to do as a lawyer, this guy was doing. He definitely took advantage of people who didn’t have the wherewithal to disagree with what he was saying,” Bland said.
The four-term state representative presented an appearance of wealth, but didn’t carry legal malpractice insurance, Bland said.
Bland said he anticipated that while the criminal charges might ultimately help the civil suit against Pendarvis, it would likely slow things down in the meantime.
“He’s got bigger problems now,” said Bland.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Former SC Rep. Pendarvis indicted on wire fraud, identity theft, money laundering."
