A lawsuit filed in July 2025 accuses South Carolina State Senator Josh Kimbrell of misappropriating over $2 million from his business partner, Frank Rogers, in their jointly owned aviation company, Exodus Aircraft.

Kimbrell, a gubernatorial candidate in 2026, is alleged to have diverted funds from Exodus Aircraft to support his political ambitions, including using corporate money for personal expenses.

The lawsuit claims Kimbrell intentionally created a company called Exodus Airways, similar in name to Exodus Aircraft, to confuse stakeholders and facilitate ongoing fraudulent activities.

Rogers alleges that Kimbrell used corporate funds for personal expenses, including campaign costs, and secretly pursued business loans, forging Rogers' signature without approval.

Rogers states that Kimbrell never formalized an operating agreement for Exodus Aircraft and diverted customer payments into bank accounts controlled by Kimbrell, despite the company generating revenue.

In April 2024, Kimbrell allegedly formed Exodus Airways without Rogers' knowledge and opened additional bank accounts to further his scheme.

The lawsuit also accuses Kimbrell's wife, Liliya, of aiding in these unlawful activities, and the case was filed in Greenville County in July 2025.

Exodus Aircraft faced a $100,000 penalty from the FAA in 2020 for regulatory violations, which Kimbrell claims was dismissed due to administrative errors.

The lawsuit was initiated by Rogers, who holds a 50% stake in Exodus Aircraft, and claims that Kimbrell's actions have caused significant financial harm and confusion.

A South Carolina circuit court granted a restraining order on July 11, 2025, to prevent further asset sales and protect the plaintiffs amid ongoing disputes.

Kimbrell's campaign dismisses the lawsuit as politically motivated, describing it as an attack from a disgruntled former business partner, and he has expressed confidence in eventual vindication.

Kimbrell responded to the allegations with shock and disappointment, calling the lawsuit 'lawfare' and indicating he might relinquish control of the company to resolve the dispute.