Alleged mortgage fraud conspriracy touched Lake Keowee

A mortgage fraud conspiracy that the government alleges was based near Charleston involved properties statewide including on Lake Keowee.  The U-S Attorney for South Carolina, Bill Nettles this week announced an indictment against two men from Ladson and Summerville.  George Turner Jr., 41, and Clayton Wickersham, 34, are charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud.  The indictment alleges the scheme involved more than 70 properties, about $45 million in mortgage loans, and a loss of more than $23 million suffered by financial institutions.  Three other defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.