News Summary
The Spartanburg County Council has significantly cut the Sheriff’s office budget, particularly targeting the aviation program, which faces criticism for mismanagement. This decision grounds the sheriff’s two helicopters, which have been under scrutiny following an FBI investigation into former Sheriff Chuck Wright’s use of the aircraft. Interim Sheriff Jeffery Stephens notes the financial strain of repair costs and has announced he will not run for sheriff in the upcoming elections. Additionally, the council reduced the new sheriff’s salary, aiming to restore public trust and enhance governance within the sheriff’s office.
Spartanburg, SC – The Spartanburg County Council has made significant cuts to the budget of the Sheriff’s office, slashing $103,000 from the aviation program on June 16, 2025. This decision affects an aviation program included in the sheriff’s office’s overall budget of approximately $43.7 million. The reduction in funding effectively grounds the sheriff’s office’s two helicopters, which have been a subject of controversy and scrutiny.
Councilman Monier Abusaft has voiced criticism regarding the aviation program, noting that it has failed to fulfill its intended purpose. His concerns reflect broader mismanagement issues and questions about the appropriate use of resources within the sheriff’s office.
Interim Sheriff Jeffery Stephens highlighted significant financial challenges linked to the helicopters. A malfunctioning night vision system in one helicopter is estimated to cost around $500,000 to repair, further complicating the viability of the aviation program.
The controversies surrounding the aviation program began to intensify following the resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright, who stepped down amid an FBI investigation. This inquiry raised serious allegations regarding the use of the helicopters, suggesting they were employed for personal activities rather than law enforcement operations. A public records request has revealed that between January 2023 and July 2024, Wright logged only three flights directly related to law enforcement. A review of 145 mission logs showed that only 33 indicated legitimate law enforcement-related missions, while a substantial number of the other logs included school visits and undocumented activities.
Additionally, the county council has revised the salary of the newly appointed sheriff, reducing it significantly from $219,000 to $100,000 as part of their budget restructuring. In light of the recent turbulence within the sheriff’s office, Interim Sheriff Stephens has stated his decision not to run for sheriff in the upcoming elections, prioritizing stabilizing and improving the department.
Members of the Spartanburg County Council acknowledged their inadequacies in overseeing the budget and the helicopter acquisitions in previous years. In efforts to restore public confidence, the council intends to conduct a thorough staffing analysis of the sheriff’s personnel. These measures come amid public outcry for increased transparency and accountability within law enforcement operations.
As part of the ongoing effort to improve governance within the sheriff’s office, the controversial “Operation Rolling Thunder,” which had faced heavy criticism for targeting drivers, will be discontinued under the leadership of Sheriff Stephens. He is committed to enhancing morale among department personnel and ensuring a comprehensive audit of financial practices and inventory management within the office.
The decisive cuts to the sheriff’s aviation program and the drastic salary reduction reflect the county council’s response to the troubling spending and hiring practices witnessed under former Sheriff Wright’s administration. With these changes, officials are hoping to lay the groundwork for a more accountable and effective law enforcement body in Spartanburg County.
With ongoing efforts towards improving operational integrity and financial responsibility, the Spartanburg County leadership aims to reestablish trust with the community, which has been eroded due to previous mismanagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spartanburg Council Cuts Sheriff Aviation Budget
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Helicopter Funding
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Council Cracks Down on Sheriff’s Office Funding
- Google Search: Spartanburg Sheriff Office Funding
- WSPA: Live Interim Spartanburg Co Sheriff Shares Plans for Sheriff’s Office
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Editorial
- Google News: Spartanburg Sheriff Office Controversy
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
