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


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We all want to drink from the same Cup of Justice... and it starts with learning about our legal system.
With tales from the newsroom and the courtroom, co-hosts Mandy Matney, Liz Farrell and Eric Bland invite you to gain knowledge, insight, and tools to hold public agencies and officials accountable. Beginning as bonus episodes to the Murdaugh Murders Podcast with analysis of the trials of Alex Murdaugh and co-conspirators, Cup of Justice launched as its own show in January of 2023 and debuted at #1 on Apple its very first day and continues to be a top rated pod globally.
Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell from the #1 global hit True Sunlight (formerly Murdaugh Murders Podcast) and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland take a hard look at everything from the state of news to important cases around the world. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM Mandy and Liz are two of the most driven and talented investigative journalists who are revolutionizing how news is derived and delivered. Join them as they pull at threads and chase down leads to get the story straight. THE LAW With the expertise of Eric Bland, we empower listeners to understand their legal system in an entertaining format while providing tools to hold agencies and public figures accountable in order to give voice to victims and change those systems for the better. JUSTICE SYSTEMS We know that our justice systems are intimidating, but we will all encounter it at one point. Together, our hosts create the perfect trifecta of legal expertise, journalistic integrity and a fire lit to expose the truth wherever it leads.
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*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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.

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