News Summary
Two South Carolina residents, Richard Alexander and Marie Drakeford Cunningham, are facing serious charges for allegedly scamming people out of over $36,000. Both individuals have been charged with criminal conspiracy and obtaining property under false pretenses. Their criminal activities reportedly involved convincing victims to part with substantial sums of money through deceptive practices in multiple counties. As legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the ongoing issue of financial scams affecting unsuspecting citizens.
Charleston County Residents in Hot Water Over Scams
In a twist of events that might make your jaw drop, two residents of South Carolina are facing serious charges related to financial scams totaling more than $36,000. Richard Alexander, 54, from Charleston County, and Marie Drakeford Cunningham, 58, from York County, have both found themselves in deep trouble as they face multiple charges filed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
A Shocking Turn of Events
Authorities have slapped Alexander and Cunningham with four counts of criminal conspiracy and obtaining signature or property under false pretenses—a legal term that means they allegedly tricked people into giving them money or property by lying. The stakes are high, as the amounts involved in their shady dealings exceed a whopping $10,000! As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that these two individuals may not have been living life on the straight and narrow.
The Chase is On
The saga begins in 2022 when law enforcement started connecting the dots on two separate incidents where Alexander and Cunningham are accused of scamming unsuspecting victims. The first instance took place on June 3, 2022, in Lee County, where the duo reportedly used false representations to bilk over $17,500 from a victim. It’s hard to believe someone could get tricked out of such a hefty sum!
Fast forward to August 2, 2022, and things took another shady turn in Darlington County, where the pair allegedly convinced yet another victim to hand over a check for an eye-watering $19,000. Talk about a master plan gone wrong!
The Arrests
After the pair went off the radar, they were eventually tracked down in North Carolina. Alexander was arrested on January 15, while Cunningham’s arrest followed on January 30. But that wasn’t the end of their troubles. On February 3, both were rearrested in Darlington County. It seems that the local deputies were so keen to tie up loose ends that they called in SLED’s assistance to make sure the law was upheld.
Having spent some time in the infamous W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center, both were released after posting $15,000 bonds each. This may seem like a relief for the duo, but the clouds of legal trouble are far from over.
What Lies Ahead?
The case now lies in the capable hands of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, which means they will be the ones prosecuting Alexander and Cunningham. It’s worth mentioning that, in the eyes of the law, all parties involved are presumed innocent until they are proven guilty in court. Nonetheless, the allegations against them paint a troubling picture.
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder to keep our guard up when it comes to our finances. Scams can happen to anyone, and it never hurts to double-check before parting with hard-earned cash. As for Alexander and Cunningham, they may find themselves defending their actions in court, and it will be interesting to see how this wild tale unfolds in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for updates, because this is a story that is far from over!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Community Rattled by Financial Scam Arrests
York and Charleston County Residents Arrested for Fraud
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Residents in Hot Water Over Scams
- WCCB Charlotte: York County Mugshots – February 10th
- 13 News Now: Florida Man Arrested in York County
- York Daily Record: Shots Fired Lead to Arrests
- Fox 56: York County Duo Charged After Bank Heist
- Wikipedia: Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
