S.C. Code Ann. § 23-17-100

If any sheriff or his deputy shall contract for, buy or purchase any judgment or decree of any court which it may become his duty to enforce or any execution lodged in his office or cause the same to be done, directly or indirectly, such sheriff or his deputy shall forfeit and pay for every such offense treble the amount of such judgment, decree or execution, one half of which forfeiture shall be paid to the State and the other half to the informer. Such forfeiture shall be recoverable with full costs by action or by indictment in any court of competent jurisdiction. And by any such purchase such judgment, decree or execution shall be ipso facto satisfied.