
Cory Fleming and Alex Murdaugh
Jury Holds Cory Fleming Liable for Role in Alex Murdaugh’s Fraudulent Insurance Scheme
CHARLESTON, S.C., — A federal jury in Charleston has found former Beaufort attorney Cory Fleming liable for his involvement in helping Alex Murdaugh orchestrate a fraudulent insurance claim. The scheme allowed Murdaugh to steal millions from the estate of Gloria Satterfield, the Murdaughs’ longtime housekeeper.
On January 8, after nearly four hours of deliberation, the 10-person jury ordered Cory Fleming to pay $1.25 million in actual damages to Nautilus Insurance Company, significantly less than the $3.8 million the insurer paid out in 2019. Additionally, the jury imposed punitive damages of $50, punitive damages are intended to serve as a deterrent for similar misconduct. What message did the jury send to Fleming with a $50 fine?
Background on the Fraudulent Claim
Nautilus, an Arizona-based insurance company, issued Murdaugh a $5 million liability policy for his Colleton County hunting lodge. In April 2022, Nautilus filed a federal lawsuit against Murdaugh, Fleming, and others, claiming they were deceived into paying an insurance claim based on false pretenses.
The fraudulent scheme dates back to February 2018, when Gloria Satterfield reportedly died from injuries sustained in a fall at the Murdaugh family’s Moselle estate. Murdaugh convinced Satterfield’s sons to file a wrongful death claim against him and recommended Cory Fleming, his former law school roommate, as their attorney.
Murdaugh alleged that his dogs caused Satterfield to trip and fall. He pressured his insurers to settle the claim, and after Nautilus paid $3.8 million to Satterfield’s estate, Murdaugh and Fleming misappropriated the funds for personal use.
We sent the attorneys for Nautilus Insurance Company the audio of Patrick Wilson, a former client of Fleming’s stating in an August interview with this media outlet that Paul Murdaugh told Wilson on numerous occasions that he was the person that pushed Gloria to her eventual death. This story was also told by boat accident victim, Connor Cook, in a deposition with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, SCDNR. We received no response back from the attorneys.

Nautilus Trial and Fleming’s Liability
By the time the trial began on January 6, 2025, Fleming and his former law firm, Moss & Kuhn, were the only remaining defendants in Nautilus’ lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel had previously dismissed the claims against Chad Westendorf, a Palmetto State Bank executive who served as the Satterfields’ personal representative.
During the trial, Nautilus attorneys presented evidence of civil conspiracy and negligence by Cory Fleming. They argued that the insurer was deceived into settling the claim without knowledge of the fraud. Fleming’s defense countered by asserting that Nautilus had ample opportunity to investigate the claim and did not uncover evidence of fraud at the time.
Court documents revealed that Nautilus agents and attorneys had expressed suspicions about the Satterfield claim but decided it would be difficult to prove fraud. The company ultimately settled with the Satterfield estate, unaware that Murdaugh and Fleming had conspired to steal the payout.
Fleming’s Criminal Convictions
In addition to the civil judgment, Cory Fleming had already pleaded guilty in 2023 to federal and state charges for his role in Murdaugh’s financial crimes. He was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 10-year state prison term.
Murdaugh, once a prominent South Carolina attorney, was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. He also pleaded guilty to 27 counts of financial crimes and admitted to stealing nearly $11 million from various victims, including clients and friends.
Prosecutors argued that Murdaugh’s mounting financial pressures and web of deceit contributed to his decision to kill his wife and son in June 2021. This media outlet has proved numerous times using the state’s evidence that Murdaugh could not have committed the murders and it was two shooters. He is currently serving two life sentences for the murders while appealing his convictions.
The Satterfield Case and Ongoing Fallout
The Satterfield case has become a focal point in the broader investigation into Murdaugh’s financial misconduct. Despite Fleming’s claims that he acted in good faith, the jury’s decision underscores his accountability in facilitating the fraud.
While the $1.25 million in actual damages awarded to Nautilus is less than the amount the insurer initially sought, the verdict marks a significant milestone in holding those involved in Murdaugh’s schemes responsible.
Closing Thoughts
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and corruption in the legal profession. As legal proceedings against Murdaugh continue, the spotlight remains on the broader implications of his actions and the ripple effects felt across South Carolina.
Stay tuned to CC News Network for updates on this ongoing story.
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