News Summary
Chuck Wright, the former Spartanburg County Sheriff, is pleading guilty to serious federal charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and misuse of controlled substances. Along with two accomplices, he allegedly embezzled funds and misappropriated resources intended for the sheriff’s office. His actions have led to significant legal consequences, including hefty fines and potential prison time, with the county now working to recover the misused funds.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright is set to plead guilty to serious federal charges including wire fraud conspiracy, obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, and conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. His case involves allegations of financial misappropriation and drug misuse, with two other men implicated in the indictment: former Spartanburg County Chaplain Amos Durham and Lawson Berry Watson, a former sheriff’s office employee and Wright’s relative.
As part of the developments, all three men have reportedly reached plea agreements with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and are scheduled for a court hearing to formally enter their guilty pleas. Claims in court documents indicate that Wright exploited his position as sheriff to embezzle funds from Spartanburg County. He appointed Durham as the director of the Chaplain’s Benevolence Fund, which was supposed to aid deputies in need but allegedly served as a financial tool for both men.
Investigators assert that Durham misappropriated funds from the Benevolence Fund alongside Wright. Donations intended for the sheriff’s office were redirected to Durham’s controlled Benevolence Fund bank account. Between August 2022 and March 2025, he reportedly withdrew over $28,000 from this fund for personal gain, affecting both himself and Wright through ATM transactions. Notably, in May 2023, Wright falsely used funds from the Benevolence Fund, claiming they were for deputy-related expenses for a trip dedicated to honoring a murdered deputy when, in fact, they were used for his own benefit.
Beneath his law enforcement duties, Wright also misused these funds to procure controlled substances, including narcotics such as prescription pills, oxycodone, and hydrocodone for personal use. Court documents reveal that he obtained 147 pain pills under fraudulent pretenses, labeling them as part of a “take back” program. Furthermore, Durham was implicated in providing Wright with a blank check from the Benevolence Fund, which was meant for an unindicted co-conspirator while Wright purchased large amounts of drugs.
Lawson Watson has also emerged in this scandal, accused of receiving approximately $200,000 in public funds for work he reportedly did not perform after being hired by Wright since March 2005. Evidence suggests that Watson received paychecks despite not fulfilling his obligations, as indicated by police reports from a domestic incident at his residence.
Wright is facing significant legal repercussions, including potential fines of up to $250,000 for each charge. He may also face prison time and will be required to forfeit a minimum of $440,000; additionally, restitution must be paid to identifiable victims harmed by his criminal actions. The plea agreement documents were signed by Wright on September 19, 2024. Both Durham and Watson will be pleading guilty to one charge: conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Each can also confront a maximum of $250,000 in fines or prison sentences, alongside forfeiting any profits derived from their fraudulent activities.
In response to these allegations, Spartanburg County officials aim to recover the funds reportedly siphoned from the Benevolence Fund. Wright’s legal troubles extend further, with ongoing investigations from the State Law Enforcement Division and the State Ethics Commission.
After facing a series of allegations, including claims of nepotism in hiring his son and misusing county credit cards for personal expenditures totaling over $17,000, Wright submitted his resignation on May 23, 2023, citing a “recent health diagnosis.” Previous complaints have surfaced against him regarding the diversion of public funds for personal items such as cigarettes, fast food, and unauthorized purchases. Wright had served as Spartanburg County Sheriff since 2004, overseeing a workforce of approximately 370 employees.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Faces 65 Ethics Charges
Former Spartanburg Sheriff to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges
Former Sheriff Chuck Wright to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges
Three Arrested in Lottery Fraud Investigations in Dorchester County
Rapper NBA YoungBoy Arrested in Utah Amid Criminal Charges
Local Artist Critiques Sheriff with New Merchandise
Investigations Intensify for Former Spartanburg Sheriff
Investigation Launched into Former Spartanburg Sheriff
Investigation Launched Against Former Spartanburg Sheriff
Investigation Launched Against Former Spartanburg County Sheriff
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Chuck Wright
- Go Upstate
- Google Search: Chuck Wright Spartanburg
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chuck Wright
- The State
- Google News: Chuck Wright pleads guilty
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.
