News Summary
Chuck Wright, former sheriff of Spartanburg County, plans to plead guilty to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit theft, following a federal investigation. Wright’s plea deal involves forfeiting $250,000 and could lead to a prison sentence of up to 29 years. Local officials are now pushing for stricter oversight of sheriff conduct in South Carolina, as a pattern of misconduct in law enforcement emerges.
Spartanburg, SC – Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright has announced his intention to plead guilty to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit theft, wire fraud, and obtaining controlled substances under false pretenses, following a long-standing career marked by controversy. His plea comes after he resigned in May amid allegations of nepotism, fraud, drug misuse, and political retribution.
Wright, who was first elected as sheriff two decades ago, was one of the county’s most popular political figures. His recent resignation followed a leave of absence, prompted by a federal investigation into his conduct. Local officials have since called for increased oversight concerning the conduct of sheriffs in South Carolina.
In light of Wright’s transgressions, Spartanburg County Council Chairman Manning Lynch has discussed potential legislative measures with Representative Travis Moore to address issues of sheriff accountability. Notably, since 2019, at least seven sheriffs in South Carolina have either resigned, been suspended, or removed due to misconduct allegations, highlighting a troubling pattern in law enforcement leadership across the state.
Wright’s plea deal required him to forfeit a minimum of $250,000 and faces potential sentences adding up to 29 years in prison. Federal prosecutors allege he misused public funds for personal expenditures. Additionally, two associates, former Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Amos Durham and Wright’s relative, Lawson Berry Watson, will also plead guilty to similar charges of fraud and theft. Durham, who previously directed a benevolence fund intended to support officers, is accused of misappropriating over $28,000 from that fund for personal gain.
According to the investigation, which began after discrepancies in fund use were discovered, Wright allegedly withdrew funds under false pretenses to cover deputy expenses during an honorary trip to Washington D.C. for a deceased deputy. Furthermore, he has been accused of unlawfully obtaining prescription drugs, specifically oxycodone and hydrocodone, through deceptive practices. Wright also faces allegations of allowing Watson to fraudulently receive around $200,000 in paychecks and benefits for a job he did not perform from January 2021 to March 2025.
In the wake of these events, officials and community leaders in Spartanburg are expressing a mixture of disappointment and concern. While acknowledging Wright’s previous service as a sheriff, his abrupt fall from grace has sparked conversations about the need for stricter regulations surrounding the authority exercised by sheriffs in South Carolina. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the State Ethics Commission are currently investigating Wright’s actions, underscoring the serious nature of the alleged misconduct.
The case has garnered significant attention and raises vital questions about accountability and integrity within law enforcement. As Wright prepares to enter his plea, the implications of his actions will continue to resonate throughout the community and may lead to systematic changes that affect how sheriffs operate within the state.
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Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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