York and Charleston County Residents Arrested for Fraud

News Summary

In a significant crackdown on financial scams, Richard Alexander and Marie Drakeford Cunningham were arrested in connection with fraudulent schemes across multiple counties in South Carolina. The duo faces multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy and obtaining property under false pretenses, after swindling victims out of large sums of money. Their scams included manipulating victims in Lee and Darlington Counties for over $36,000. The police continue to investigate as the community remains vigilant against potential financial fraud.

York County and Charleston County Residents Arrested in Financial Scam Scheme

York County, SC – A shocking scandal has emerged from the investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as two individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of multi-county financial scams. Richard Alexander, a 54-year-old man hailing from Charleston County, and Marie Drakeford Cunningham, a 58-year-old woman from York County, now face a set of serious charges.

Charges and Arrest Details

Both Alexander and Cunningham have been hit with multiple charges, specifically four counts each of criminal conspiracy and obtaining property under false pretenses valued at $10,000 or more. Their exploits in deception have landed them in a tight spot following a comprehensive investigation that began to unfold in 2022.

Initially, authorities located the pair in North Carolina before they were brought back to Lee County, South Carolina, where their legal troubles intensified. Alexander was arrested on January 15, 2025, while Cunningham followed suit later on January 30, 2025. However, the drama didn’t end there. Just a few days later, both were re-arrested on February 3, 2025, in Darlington County after local deputies sought further assistance from SLED.

Details of the Fraudulent Incidents

The charges against Alexander and Cunningham stem from two notorious fraud incidents that cast a shadow over Lee and Darlington Counties in 2022. The first incident unfolded on June 3, 2022, in Lee County, where the two allegedly feigned circumstances to con a victim out of more than $17,500. It’s a hefty sum that left the victim questioning how they could have fallen for such a deceitful scheme.

The second incident happened a bit later, on August 2, 2022, in Darlington County. In this case, the duo managed to trick another victim into writing a check for an astounding $19,000. Such high-value frauds have raised concerns about the depth and sophistication of scams that target unsuspecting residents, making it imperative for communities to stay vigilant.

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

Following their arrest, both Alexander and Cunningham were booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center. They were later released on $15,000 bonds each as they await their upcoming legal battles. The case is expected to be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office as investigators continue to dig deeper into the intricacies of the case.

Community Reaction and Warnings

News of this financial scam has sent ripples through the local communities of York and Charleston Counties. Residents are expressing feelings ranging from shock to anger, realizing that such frauds can happen close to home. If anything, this incident is a glaring reminder of the importance of caution when dealing with financial transactions and agreements.

Authorities urge all community members to remain alert and to verify any financial inducements that seem too good to be true. This incident highlights the need for everyone to educate themselves about potential scams and the tactics that fraudsters use to exploit individuals. Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or in-person, skepticism can sometimes be the best defense against scams.

As the investigation unfolds, both local and state officials will continue to monitor the situation closely. There’s hope that this case serves as a reminder to stay proactive against financial fraud and to support one another while navigating these challenging waters.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• ABC News 4
• Herald Online
• WGME
• Bloomberg
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Google Search: financial scams
• Google Scholar: financial fraud
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
• Google News: financial scamming