News Summary
Billy R. Oswald, a respected Lexington County attorney, faces serious charges for fraudulently obtaining over $10,000 in COVID relief funds. With a legal career spanning five decades, this news marks a concerning escalation in his legal troubles, which include previous allegations of sexual harassment. Oswald allegedly misrepresented his law firms’ status amid the pandemic, claiming they were shut down while continuing operations in other business ventures. His case has drawn significant attention as the legal community grapples with the implications of his actions.
Lexington County Lawyer Faces Serious Charges Over COVID Relief Funds
In a shocking turn of events, Billy R. Oswald, a prominent lawyer in Lexington County, South Carolina, has been charged with fraudulently obtaining COVID relief funds. At the age of 77, Oswald’s legal career spanning more than 50 years seems to be tainted with controversy as he faces accusations related to the state’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance fund.
Understanding the Allegations
Oswald is facing a total of three counts of fraud, specifically linked to the theft of a substantial amount of funds, which is reported to be $10,000 or more. These charges include one count each of forgery, computer crime, and obtaining property under false pretenses. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has laid out these serious allegations, stemming from his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance fund was primarily designed to offer temporary financial aid to individuals affected by natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this program expanded to support not only individuals but also businesses that were struggling due to mandatory closure measures.
A Look at Oswald’s Background
Oswald isn’t just any lawyer; he has had a notable political background in West Columbia, having served on the Lexington County Council and the county Board of Education. Additionally, he was associated with the Lexington Medical Center. Despite his extensive experience in both law and governance, he has faced several legal hurdles, including attempts at running for legislative seats, with a recent bid for state Senate in 2024.
As the owner of two law firms, the Oswald Law Firm and the Oswald and Burnside Law Firm, Oswald has built a reputation in the legal community. However, that reputation has been clouded by various allegations, including a serious sexual harassment lawsuit that emerged in September 2022. A former office manager accused Oswald of inappropriate behavior, including groping and making derogatory comments towards female clients. Although he denied these allegations, asserting health issues prevented such actions, he later settled the lawsuit for $71,000, resulting in his law license being suspended by the South Carolina Supreme Court in January 2023.
Continuing Legal Troubles
It didn’t stop there. Shortly after the suspension, Oswald faced additional charges related to assault and lewd exposure after a troubling incident involving a woman who had sought legal assistance. This string of legal issues has painted a rather grim picture of Oswald’s current standing.
The center of the current fraud allegations is centered around an incident in March 2020, when Oswald reportedly falsely certified to the South Carolina employment department that his law firms were shut down due to the pandemic. Interestingly, during this period, he is alleged to have been running both a rental and stimulus aid business, raising eyebrows about his true operational status during this time.
Investigations and Findings
Investigations into Oswald’s conduct began when the state employment department raised concerns based on payroll, financial, and wage records. Witness testimonies indicated that, despite claiming to be closed, his business continued its operations. This revelation has left many questioning the integrity of a seasoned lawyer who has held public office and served the community for decades.
As the story unfolds, the implications of these charges on Oswald’s career and personal life remain to be seen. It serves as a pointed reminder of the responsibilities that come with public service and the profound impact of integrity in the legal profession. With such serious accusations, the legal proceedings that lie ahead will undoubtedly attract widespread attention.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Businesses Alarmed by Credit Card Competition Act
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Local News
- Wikipedia: COVID-19 pandemic
- WXII News
- Google Search: COVID-19 relief funds
- WIS TV News
- Google Scholar: COVID-19 fraud cases
- Kentucky News Source
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Forgery
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
