Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Mandy and David’s trip to Charleston for yet another federal sentencing hearing of a rich South Carolina attorney. This time it was for Hilton Head attorney Peter Strauss, whose license to practice is on interim suspension... as of Monday, February 24, 2025.... Strauss pleaded guilty in fall 2023 to a single count of removal of property to prevent seizure to help his client — a man who later pleaded guilty in a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. 

Catch up on Peter Strauss with TSP episodes 29 & 38

Also on today’s show, what the latest decision in Buster Murdaugh’s defamation case might mean for the investigation into Stephen Smith’s death. 

Plus, according to court documents, JP Miller and a TikToker tried to negotiate a deal with Melissa Mancari, the paralegal JP is suing in a $6 million defamation case, to testify as a witness in his cases against the protesters. 

Why did the judge say this didn’t set off alarm bells for him? And what can protesters do to protect themselves in court? 

☕ Cup's Up! ⚖️

Episode Resources

“Support Zoe's Family with Medical Debts” - GoFundMe for Erin Lee Carr’s friend

“The real injustice happening in Beaufort County? No cellphones in the courthouse | Opinion” - Liz Farrell, Updated Sept 9, 2019

“Hilton Head lawyer sentenced to 9 months for hiding millions for clients running Ponzi scheme” - The Post & Courier, Feb 21, 2025

IOLTA Overview - American Bar Association

Liz’s Tweet on JP Miller Update - Feb 20, 2025

“Casino mogul Wynn asks US Supreme Court to revisit Times v. Sullivan defamation rule” - Reuters, Feb 7, 2025

Premium Episode Resources

JP Miller’s Defamation Lawsuit against Melissa Mancari & her Motion to Dismiss

JP Miller’s Invasion of Privacy filings in Myrtle Beach Magistrate Court

Buster Murdaugh’s Defamation Lawsuit - June 14, 2024

Order to Sever & Remand in Buster Murdaugh’s Defamation Lawsuit - Feb 19, 2025

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

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