Spartanburg County Sheriff Faces Federal Investigation

Spartanburg County Sheriff Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Misuse of Office

Spartanburg County, South Carolina – The federal investigation into Sheriff Chuck Wright escalates as allegations surface regarding the misuse of office and connections to a county employee, Lawson Berry “L.B.” Watson. The inquiry into Watson, who has been employed since 2005, includes claims he spent county work hours operating his private business while drawing a substantial salary from the Sheriff’s Office.

Watson reportedly earned over $54,000 last year as a code enforcement officer. However, former deputies claim that he dedicated significant hours to managing his construction company, L.B. Watson Grading, which has been operational since at least 2008 and was officially registered as an LLC in 2017. The FBI is probing Watson’s alleged misuse of county time and his reported connections to Sheriff Wright as part of broader allegations of federal misconduct surrounding the sheriff’s office.

Wright himself resigned from his position last month, citing an unspecified health issue. His resignation came amid heightened scrutiny regarding his administration, including accusations of improper spending linked to a county-funded credit card. Reports indicate that Wright may have expended over $53,000 on personal items without adequate documentation and faced allegations of engaging in drug-related issues, as suggested by testimonies from former deputies about his potential use of prescription pain medications.

Background on Watson and His Role

Watson transitioned into his role as a code enforcement officer after serving as a building inspector and reportedly received several pay raises throughout his tenure. However, his job responsibilities have frequently been described as vague, with some former colleagues dubbing him “the unicorn of the sheriff’s office” due to the ambiguity surrounding his duties.

Official records indicate that Watson was appointed as a deputy sheriff in 2017. Yet, there is no record at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy confirming that he received certification as a law enforcement officer. Compounding the controversy is the fact that Watson allegedly had access to a take-home county vehicle and gas card, raising questions about his commitment to county work during official hours.

Allegations Against Sheriff Wright

In addition to the misuse of credit card funds, the investigation into Sheriff Wright includes concerns over potential nepotism following the hiring of his son as a deputy, which may violate local governance regulations. Additionally, investigators are examining text messages tied to Wright’s alleged requests for opioids and his varied spending habits, potentially expanding the scope of misconduct charges.

Wright’s credit card bills contain substantial charges linked to hotels, fast food, and personal items. Furthermore, ongoing investigations are also looking into previous allegations involving inappropriate conduct by another lieutenant within the sheriff’s office while assessing the mishandling of various resources under Wright’s command.

Closing Details on the Investigation

On February 14, 2025, just eight days after a records request for his personnel file was filed, Watson’s tenure with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office officially ended. The queries into Watson, Wright, and the broader implications within the sheriff’s office signify a significant unfolding of events that could lead to broader reforms within Spartanburg County law enforcement.

The situation remains under investigation with various federal authorities closely examining the claims and conducting interviews. Community members and former law enforcement officials alike are watching the developments as the inquiries may yield significant ramifications for the sheriff’s office and the administration that has governed Spartanburg County in recent years.