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Former Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill, who oversaw the high-profile Alex Murdaugh murder trial, was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with multiple felonies. The charges stem from accusations by the State Ethics Commission that Hill used her position for personal gain, including promoting her book about the Murdaugh case, portions of which she admitted plagiarizing. Hill is also reportedly wanted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Murdaugh’s defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, responded to the news, stating, “We are aware of the charges filed against Becky Hill, and while these developments are serious, they are not surprising. We have long raised our concerns about her conduct during and after the trial and this arrest further underscores the need to protect the integrity of the judicial process.” Harpootlian reiterated Murdaugh’s right to a fair trial.
Hill faces previous accusations of misusing nearly $10,000 in federal funds, allegedly diverting the money for personal expenses like meals, office furniture, and even dog supplies, as well as gifts for court employees.
This arrest follows a January ruling by South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal denying Murdaugh a new trial. Murdaugh’s request was based on allegations of jury tampering by Hill. While most jurors stated Hill did not influence their decision, one juror admitted hearing Hill comment on Murdaugh’s body language, though maintaining it did not affect their verdict.
Attorney Eric Bland, who represented victims of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, commented on the situation, stating the perjury charge against Hill “further complicates the situation and increases the chances that [Murdaugh] will get a reversal and a new trial.” He believes the key question remains whether the correct legal standard (state or federal) was applied in evaluating the jury tampering allegations.
Hill resigned from her clerk position in March, claiming it was unrelated to the Murdaugh trial and jury tampering allegations. At the time, she cited the strain of the high-profile case and her desire to focus on family. Her then-attorney, Justin Bamberg, also asserted her resignation was not connected to any ongoing investigations.