News Summary
Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Charles ‘Chuck’ Wright and former chaplain Amos Durham are under investigation for corruption and misconduct allegations. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is leading the inquiry, which includes accusations of improper financial gain and breach of trust. With no charges filed yet, the community is awaiting further developments and accountability. The investigation raises questions about local government integrity as both individuals face serious allegations that could impact their reputations.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Wright and former chaplain Amos Durham are currently under investigation for potential public corruption and misconduct. The investigation has drawn significant attention, as it involves multiple allegations against Wright, including misconduct in office and improper financial gain while in a position of power.
On April 1, 2025, Wright announced a leave of absence, which coincided with the formation of a federal grand jury looking into the serious allegations against him. The investigation turned from rumor to formal proceedings with a notice dated June 12, 2025, marking a critical turning point in the inquiry.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is spearheading the investigation under case number 2024-03590. The scope of the inquiry includes accusations of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, using his official position for personal financial gain, and the fraudulent procurement of controlled substances. These allegations have caused a stir in Spartanburg and brought to light Wright’s controversial ties to local gambling figures dating back to his first campaign for sheriff in 2004.
In the wake of the allegations, the investigation into Wright’s activities necessitated a reassignment. Initially overseen by S.C. Seventh Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette, the case has now been handed over to S.C. Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah Black due to Barnette’s past associations with Wright, ensuring the integrity of the investigative process.
In addition to the federal investigation, Wright is also facing scrutiny from the S.C. State Ethics Commission over allegations of nepotism involving the hiring of his son within the sheriff’s department. While these inquiries are taking place, it has been noted that no formal charges have yet been filed against either Wright or Durham.
Chaplain Amos Durham is also embroiled in the investigation, primarily for his management of the Chaplain Benevolence Fund, a program intended to assist deputies facing hardships. Complaints have surfaced that the fund frequently remains empty, raising questions about Durham’s oversight and intentions. Furthermore, it appears that Durham sought a position with the nearby Greenville County Sheriff’s Office but was ultimately not hired, a detail that adds to the curiosity surrounding his motivations as chaplain.
Wright submitted a resignation letter to Governor Henry McMaster on May 23, 2025, citing a “recent health diagnosis.” Notably, the corresponding separation paperwork incorrectly indicated that there were no ongoing investigations into his conduct, raising further eyebrows about the transparency of his resignation. This discrepancy has fueled speculation and concern within Spartanburg regarding the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The developing situation has left both Wright and Durham silent in response to requests for comments from local media outlets. As of now, the Spartanburg community watches closely as the legal processes unfold, with residents hopeful for accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
The importance of this investigation cannot be overstated, as it underscores potential issues of integrity and trust within local government and law enforcement. Both former Sheriff Wright and Chaplain Durham now face serious allegations that could have lasting implications for their reputations and the Spartanburg community.
In summary, the investigations into former Sheriff Chuck Wright and Chaplain Amos Durham highlight serious allegations of misconduct and corruption, prompting inquiries and reassignment of the case to maintain impartiality. As the investigation progresses, further details may emerge, shining a light on potential breaches of public trust.
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Additional Resources
- FitsNews: S.C. Attorney General Confirms State Investigation of Ex-Spartanburg Sheriff
- Wikipedia: Public Corruption
- Fox Carolina: SLED Confirms Investigation Into Former Sheriff Chuck Wright
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption
- WYFF4: South Carolina Sheriff Chuck Wright Investigation Outlined
- Google Search: Chuck Wright investigation
- Fox Carolina: Doc Sheds Light on State Investigation Into Former Sheriff Chuck Wright
- Google News: Chuck Wright Spartanburg
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg ATF Informant Threats Drug Money Laundering Investigation
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.
