Two indicted in $45 million fraud conspiracy

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Two South Carolina men have been indicted in federal court with conspiracy to commit $45 million mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud in a plot that involved more than 70 properties across the state and in Georgia.

George L. Turner, Jr., 41, of Ladson and Clayton G. Wickersham, 34, of Summerville were indicted Thursday and face a maximum 30 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine, as well as five years of supervised release.

The indictment stems from an ongoing investigation into allegations the defendants were involved in a mortgage fraud conspiracy based out of real estate and mortgage businesses located in Summerville.

The indictment alleges the scheme involved more than 70 properties, approximately $45 million of mortgage loans, and a loss of more than $23 million suffered by financial institutions on  properties located in Charleston, Johns Island, Ladson, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Edisto Island, St. Helena Island, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lake Keowee, and Tybee Island, Ga.

Three other defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.

Scott M. Wickersham, 36, of Summerville, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, and two counts of willfully making and subscribing a false tax return.

Steven F. Weiss, 66, of Virginia, and Kelly Martin, 34, of Moncks Corner, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud.

The indictments are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

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