News Summary
South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell is being sued by his business partner for allegedly diverting over $2 million from their aviation company, Exodus Aircraft LLC. The lawsuit claims Kimbrell created a separate entity to misappropriate funds, impacting his gubernatorial campaign aspirations. As legal proceedings unfold, a temporary restraining order has been placed, preventing Kimbrell from selling assets. A concurrent criminal investigation is also in progress regarding the allegations.
Spartanburg, South Carolina — A civil lawsuit has been filed against South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell by his business partner Frank George Rogers in the Court of Common Pleas, 13th Judicial Circuit, on July 11, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that Kimbrell diverted more than $2 million in funds from Exodus Aircraft LLC, a Delaware-based aviation company co-owned with Rogers.
This legal battle unfolds as Kimbrell recently announced his candidacy for South Carolina governor in the 2026 election. In response to the lawsuit, Kimbrell has dismissed the accusations as a “regrettable, uncorroborated case of lawfare” stemming from a disgruntled former business partner. He expressed confidence that the facts will ultimately lead to his full vindication.
The lawsuit claims that Kimbrell created a facade of a separate company, Exodus Airways LLC, to divert funds from Exodus Aircraft. Established in August 2017, Exodus Aircraft LLC manages an Embraer EMB-145EP jet for charter services. In addition to Kimbrell, his wife, Liliya Kimbrell, is also named in the lawsuit for purportedly aiding his alleged unlawful conduct. Loan officer Thomas Blake Whitaker is listed as a co-defendant, accused of facilitating the diversion of funds.
According to court documents, Kimbrell allegedly used complex financial transactions to manipulate funds from Exodus Aircraft to Exodus Airways, leading to misleading clients regarding payment instructions. Over a span of approximately two-and-a-half years, it is claimed that Kimbrell diverted over $2 million from the company into personal accounts or companies he owns.
The lawsuit outlines that Kimbrell misappropriated corporate funds for personal expenditures, including campaign-related expenses. In light of these serious allegations, a temporary restraining order has been granted to Rogers and his company, effective immediately. This order prohibits Kimbrell from selling or diverting any assets during the ongoing legal proceedings.
In addition to the civil lawsuit, a criminal investigation is currently underway to examine Kimbrell’s activities related to the claims made against him. The implications of this case extend beyond personal ramifications, potentially impacting Kimbrell’s political aspirations as he moves forward in his campaign for the governorship.
Senator Kimbrell represents a segment of Spartanburg County and was first elected to the South Carolina Senate in November 2020. After being reelected for another term in November 2024, he has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives within the state. As Kimbrell navigates these legal challenges, the outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigation will be closely monitored by both constituents and political analysts.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments in this legal matter may have significant implications for Kimbrell’s political career as he aims for higher office in the upcoming election cycle. The public awaits clarity on the circumstances surrounding the allegations and their potential fallout.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Josh Kimbrell Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Senate
- FitsNews: S.C. Senator Implicated in Lawsuit
- Google Search: Josh Kimbrell
- WSPA: SC State Senator Lawsuit
- Google Scholar: Josh Kimbrell Lawsuit
- Your Island News: Mace Sues Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Politics
- Fox Carolina: Kimbrell Announces Run for Governor
- Google News: Josh Kimbrell Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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