Fire at office once owned by SC's '3 Hebrew Boys'

Authorities are investigating a fire at a building once owned by three Columbia-area men convicted of swindling more than $80 million from thousands of investors.

Multiple media outlets report the Monday afternoon fire did about $1 million in damage to the building several miles northeast of downtown Columbia.

Greenville attorney Beattie Ashmore says the building had been owned by 3 Hebrew Boys, a trio of Columbia men who held themselves out as an investment group. They were convicted last year of dozens of federal charges.

Ashmore is the receiver in the case. He was appointed by a judge to sell the building and distribute proceeds among the defrauded investors. Ashmore says the building was unoccupied and was insured.