News Summary
Chuck Wright, the former Spartanburg County Sheriff, is facing 65 ethics charges mainly linked to alleged misuse of public funds and improper hiring practices, including hiring his son. Investigators accuse him of spending over $17,000 on personal expenses with county funds. These actions have led to federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A hearing regarding the charges is scheduled for February 2026, as officials seek restitution for misappropriated funds.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright is now facing a total of 65 ethics charges, largely stemming from allegations of misuse of public funds and improper hiring practices. Among these charges, two are specifically related to hiring his son, Andy Wright, as a deputy sheriff, while the remaining 63 pertain to the alleged misuse of a county-funded credit card.
Wright stands accused of spending over $17,000 on personal purchases using county funds since 2020. The expenses outlined in the ethics documents include a variety of personal items such as cigarettes, fast food, camping gear, and subscriptions to services like Amazon Prime. Specific purchases noted in the allegations include an iPad, firearm ammunition, snack cakes, Christmas decorations, batteries, and even antidiarrheal medication. The total amount cited by the Ethics Commission for allegedly misappropriated public funds is $17,140.57.
This legal battle for Wright also intersects with previous criminal charges he has agreed to plead guilty to at the federal level. These federal charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, and conspiracy to commit theft regarding federal funds. The implications of these federal charges suggest he could face a forfeiture of at least $250,000 and potential prison sentences up to 20 years.
Involvement of Other Individuals
Additionally, former Chaplain Amos Durham and Wright’s relative, Lawson Berry Watson, are implicated in the case and have reportedly agreed to plea deals. Wright also faces further state criminal charges that are currently under investigation by Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.
Investigation Triggered by Complaints
The ethics investigation commenced after complaints were lodged by three individuals concerning Wright’s decision to hire his son. Multiple complaints, alongside media reports from The Post and Courier regarding Wright’s personal spending, prompted the inquiry into his conduct as sheriff.
Investigators allege Wright misused public funds for personal gain, claiming there was no legitimate governmental purpose for many of the items purchased. Notably, he purportedly did not retain receipts for purchases made with the county credit card, leading to questions regarding the legitimacy of the expenditures. To date, Wright has returned only $1,111 to the county, which he attributed to purchasing cellphone games.
Feasibility of Recouping Funds
County officials, including Councilmember Monier Abusaft, have publicly expressed a desire to recoup funds for the taxpayers in light of these allegations. Wright’s actions, should they be deemed unlawful, may necessitate significant financial restitution for the county.
Upcoming Hearing and Background Context
A hearing regarding the ethics charges against Wright is scheduled to take place on February 19, 2026. There are also allegations that Watson received approximately $200,000 in payments without fulfilling any work for the sheriff’s department.
During his tenure as sheriff, Wright enjoyed a measure of popularity among the public. However, this came to an abrupt end when he took a leave of absence on April 1 and subsequently resigned on May 23, 2025. Investigations into Wright’s conduct were reignited following a series of complaints and media coverage dating back to 2024.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Ethics Investigation
- Wikipedia: Ethics in Government
- WYFF4: Guilty Pleas Federal Charges Chuck Wright Sheriff Spartanburg
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff
- GoUpstate: Ex-Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright Admits Role in Fraud and Drug Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Fox Carolina: Attorney Former Spartanburg Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Speaks
- Google News: Chuck Wright Spartanburg
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.
