News Summary
Chuck Wright, the former sheriff of Spartanburg County, has agreed to plead guilty to multiple federal offenses, including conspiracy to commit theft and wire fraud. His actions, which include misusing county funds for personal expenses exceeding $53,000 and engaging in unethical hiring practices, have elicited strong community backlash. Wright faces significant penalties, with a formal hearing set for February 2026. Former employees of his office are also implicated, underscoring the extensive ethical violations and mismanagement during his tenure.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina – Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright has agreed to plead guilty to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, wire fraud conspiracy, and obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation. Wright served as sheriff for over 20 years and faces significant penalties for his actions, which have shocked the local community.
The charges against Wright stem from a series of serious ethics violations and financial misappropriations. He has been accused of using a county credit card for more than $53,000 in personal expenses, which included extravagant purchases at steakhouses, high-end hotels, and various subscription services. Additionally, Wright is alleged to have mismanaged funds from the sheriff’s office, with total financial misappropriation reported at least $440,000.
Further complicating matters, Wright faced a total of 65 ethics charges, which included hiring his son as a deputy in the sheriff’s office without recusing himself from the decision. He also took funds from the Chaplain’s Benevolence Fund, falsely claiming it was for deputy expenses tied to honoring a murdered officer. Among other troubling allegations, Wright is accused of obtaining controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone through fraudulent means, which has raised further concerns about his conduct while in office.
Wright is expected to face a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison across the various charges, although it is suggested he may receive a lighter sentence. A formal hearing is scheduled for February 19, 2026, to address the ethics charges that have been brought against him.
Two former employees of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Amos Durham and Lawson Watson, have also been charged and have reportedly agreed to plead guilty. Watson is specifically accused of receiving over $200,000 in compensation for work he never performed as a deputy, highlighting the breadth of mismanagement within the sheriff’s office during Wright’s tenure.
The extent of these ethics violations and financial misdeeds led to state and federal investigations that were initially prompted by media scrutiny regarding Wright’s spending habits. Following these investigations, Wright resigned from his position as sheriff, citing health concerns, which has drawn skepticism from the community.
The Spartanburg County Council has indicated its commitment to recovering the funds that were allegedly misappropriated during Wright’s administration. Additionally, the South Carolina State Ethics Commission has established probable cause to support allegations of nepotism and misuse of his county credit card against Wright.
The community of Spartanburg County has expressed widespread shock and disappointment in the wake of Wright’s charges. Residents had come to trust Wright during his long tenure, and this breach of trust has left many feeling disillusioned with local leadership, raising broader concerns about ethics and accountability in public office.
In light of the unfolding scandal, U.S. Representative William Timmons mentioned the importance of providing assistance to individuals in challenging situations, presumably referencing the overall context surrounding Wright’s case and its implications for local governance.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Spartanburg Sheriff Misuse of County Funds
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff ethics violation
- Police1: Ex-SC Sheriff Pleads Guilty
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement Ethics
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Ethics Investigation
- Google News: Spartanburg County Sheriff Wright
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.
