Curtis Eddie Smith Remains on Bond, and Now Free from State Electronic Monitoring, and our Exclusive Pre-Sentencing Interview with Jerry Rivers from the Murdaugh Saga
Curtis Eddie Smith, a central figure in the sprawling criminal enterprise of convicted former attorney Alex Murdaugh, remains free on bond despite serious charges tied to the case. While Jerry Rivers and Spencer Roberts are now serving prison sentences for their roles in Murdaugh’s schemes, Smith has not appeared in court since his 2021 indictment, raising questions about the status of his case.
Smith’s Indictments
Smith, often referred to as “Cousin Eddie,” was indicted in 2021 on a series of charges tied to Murdaugh’s activities, including drug distribution, money laundering, and his role in Murdaugh’s staged roadside shooting insurance scam. The charges against Smith include:
- Weapons / Pointing and Presenting Firearms at a Person (0122)
- Insurance Fraud / False Statement or Misrepresentation Over $50,000 (3553)
- Conspiracy / Criminal Conspiracy, Common Law (0049)
- Suicide / Assisting a Person in Committing Suicide (2596)
- Assault / Assault & Battery of a High & Aggravated Nature (3411)
- Insurance / Presenting False Claim for Insurance Payment Over $10,000 (3510)
These charges stem from Smith’s alleged participation in a drug distribution network and financial schemes orchestrated by Murdaugh, as well as his alleged involvement in the infamous September 2021 roadside shooting incident where Murdaugh attempted to stage his own death for an insurance payout to his remaining son, Buster Murdaugh.
Confidential Source: Monitoring Removed
CC News Network has learned through a confidential source close to the situation, that the State of South Carolina has removed Curtis Eddie Smith’s electronic monitoring device. Smith has not appeared in court since his indictment in 2021, despite his associates Jerry Rivers and Spencer Roberts being convicted and sentenced for their roles in related crimes.
Electronic Monitoring (EM) is a technology used to track and supervise individuals who are under legal restrictions but are not incarcerated. It is commonly employed in various phases of the criminal justice system, including pretrial release, probation, parole, or house arrest. EM aims to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions while allowing individuals to remain in the community.
The removal of Smith’s electronic monitoring raises questions about his current legal status. Smith’s attorney has previously stated that her client is cooperating with ongoing investigations, but his lack of court appearances and the state’s decision to remove monitoring add an unusual twist to an already complex case. What is happening? No one knows.
Exclusive: Jerry Rivers Speaks Out Before Sentencing
The CC News Network was able to get a short exclusive interview via TikTok with the one and only Jerry Rivers, sentenced to seven years in February 2024 for drug distribution, money laundering, and fraud. Rivers spoke to me about his involvement before being sent to prison. In a series of written interviews, one being on February 1, 2024, Rivers denied being associated with gangs or participating in criminal networks as portrayed by the media and law enforcement.
“For one, I’m not a gang member, never have been, never will be. The media and SLED spread false information about me,” Rivers stated exclusively to the CC News Network.
Rivers also shared his thoughts back in February, on his life story and hinted at future plans. “My life is so diverse, I can start from meeting Cousin Eddie and on through the present,” he said. He expressed interest in documenting his experiences in a book to be written by me, or maybe a series or movie reflecting on the dramatic and criminal twists his life has taken. But due to my cancer treatments at that time, and Rivers’ prison sentence, he and I never got the opportunity to sit down to actually write that book together.
Despite his central role in Murdaugh’s drug operations, Rivers claimed during his guilty plea last August that he had never met Murdaugh. His frequent transfers within South Carolina’s prison system, including stops at Manning Correctional Institution, Richland County for medical evaluations, and as of 09/25/2024, Rivers is residing at the Dillon County Detention Center, suggest ongoing investigations and safety precautions. Rivers’ movements highlight his potential role in uncovering more about Murdaugh’s sprawling network. His potential release date is 06/06/2029.
Rivers and Roberts Sentenced
While Smith’s case lingers, his co-conspirators are doing time:
- Jerry Rivers: Sentenced to seven years for drug distribution, money laundering, and fraud. Rivers admitted to supplying opioids to Smith, who then provided them to Murdaugh. Rivers has also been frequently transferred between prison facilities.
- Spencer Roberts: Sentenced to eight years for money laundering and fraud, with additional charges of drug distribution and laundering over $100,000 pending. Roberts allegedly laundered more than $160,000 through checks cashed as part of Murdaugh’s schemes.
Unanswered Questions
Smith’s lack of court appearances and the removal of his monitoring device stand in stark contrast to the swift sentencing of Rivers and Roberts. It remains unclear why Smith has avoided significant legal proceedings despite facing serious charges. His cooperation with investigators may explain the delay, but the public and the victims of Murdaugh’s crimes are left wondering when justice will be fully served.
The Murdaugh saga continues to unfold, with each new revelation adding complexity to a case already steeped in corruption, conspiracy, and betrayal. As Rivers and Roberts begin their prison sentences, Curtis Eddie Smith’s future remains uncertain.
Stay tuned to CC News Network for further updates on this developing story.
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