COJ #119 - Another Rich SC Lawyer Tries to Beg His Way Out of a Prison Sentence + JP Miller Brings More Drama to the Courtroom

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...☀️ Premium Members also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ What We're Buying... Hungryroot - hungryroot.com/coj - Let Hungryroot know Cup of Justice sent you! 40% off your first delivery will automatically apply at checkout. Here's a link to some of our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: bsky.app/profile/mandy-matney.com   |   bsky.app/profile/elizfarrell.com   |   bsky.app/profile/theericbland.bsky.social Twitter.com/mandymatney | Twitter.com/elizfarrell | Twitter.com/theericbland https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ |  https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ YouTube  | TIKTOK SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBM *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [e-mail] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices