Former attorney Alex Murdaugh has failed a polygraph test, a violation of his plea agreement for financial crimes, according to federal prosecutors. The US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina is seeking release from the agreement due to this breach.
Murdaugh is currently serving a 27-year state prison sentence for charges including money laundering, breach of trust, and tax evasion. He also received two consecutive life sentences for the murders of his wife and son in 2021.
As part of his federal plea deal, Murdaugh agreed to undergo polygraph examinations. However, he failed a recent test related to hidden assets and involvement of another attorney in his criminal activities.
The failed polygraph test has led prosecutors to request sealing the report and other related exhibits to protect an ongoing grand jury investigation. Approximately $6 million of Murdaugh’s ill-gotten gains remains unaccounted for.
Despite his guilty pleas, Murdaugh’s lack of truthfulness in the polygraph test has jeopardized the concurrent sentencing recommendation from the government. Prosecutors argue that this breach allows them to seek a maximum sentence for the federal charges.
Murdaugh’s attorneys have until Thursday to respond to the motion to seal the polygraph report. The failed test comes just before his sentencing in federal court for conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering charges.
During his guilty plea last year, Murdaugh expressed remorse and a desire to take responsibility for his actions. The failed polygraph test now complicates his legal situation and the potential outcome of his federal sentencing.
