Judge James Johnson sentenced Earl Morris to 44 months in prison on 21 of the counts and 36 months in prison on one of the counts. But, he ruled that Morris will serve those sentences concurrently so he won't serve more than 44 months behind bars. In fact, Attorney General Henry McMaster says Morris could get out in less than a year with good behavior.

The defense cited Morris' age, he's 76, his health and his achievements in state government as reasons to show him mercy.

Morris also addressed the court saying he's still waiting for the full truth about Carolina Investors and Home Gold to be revealed, but he also apologized.

"I do not know how to more abjectly apologize to every person, including my family, who lost money, some of which will be returned. But, my remorse will be with me until my last day," said Morris. The judge is letting Morris go free on $75,000 bond while he appeals the jury's verdict. So this case is far from over.

The first executive convicted in the Carolina Investors scandal is still waiting to hear his fate.

Former Carolina Investors President Larry Owen pleaded guilty on securities fraud in July and has been in the Greenville jail ever since, waiting to be sentenced. His testimony was a key part of the case against Earl Morris. Owen's wife, Anne, has also been indicted on charges she made untrue statements or omissions to the company's investors.

And right now the last major asset of Carolina Investors, the Carolina investors building in Pickens, is being auctioned off. About 25 interested buyers were expected for the proceedings.It's unique with fake books, secret doorways and passages. It's been on the market for a year at a cost of around $800,000.

A trustee in the settlement tells News Channel 7 that the money raised by the auction will go back to the investor distribution fund.

And the first checks are in the mail to those who lost money in Carolina Investors. Those investors will only be getting back 18 cents for every dollar they put into the fallen company.