News Summary
Kenneth Harris, a Spartanburg artist, launches merchandise featuring phrases like ‘Spartanburglar’ to criticize former Sheriff Chuck Wright’s financial conduct. Amid allegations of misconduct, Harris’s items spark public debate on accountability in local government. While initially expecting limited interest, Harris has seen some success albeit below profit goals. As investigations into Wright’s spending continue, the initiative reflects growing citizen engagement in political transparency.
Spartanburg – Kenneth Harris, a 45-year-old artist from Spartanburg, has launched a range of merchandise that criticizes former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright’s spending practices amid ongoing controversy. The merchandise, which includes stickers and T-shirts, features phrases such as “Spartanburglar” and “Addicted to Justice!” and portrays a caricature of Wright, thus drawing attention to his financial conduct while in office.
Harris was inspired to create these items after discovering reports detailing Wright’s over $53,000 spending on his credit card since December 2017, with many charges appearing to be personal rather than related to official duties. This revelation has stirred significant public discontent and sparked a state criminal investigation into Wright’s spending habits and alleged drug use. As a result of the investigation, Wright resigned from his position in May 2025, although he has not yet been formally charged with any crimes.
The items were first sold on a now-defunct webpage, and Harris described the project as an experiment, initially expecting limited consumer interest. Despite his modest projections, he has since managed to recover expenses, although he did not reach his desired profit margin. Going forward, Harris plans to offer shirts on an order basis, leveraging a local printing business along with an online vendor.
Legal Investigations and Charges
Wright’s credit card spending has not only led to public backlash but also to formal legal scrutiny. The South Carolina Attorney General has announced potential charges against Wright for misconduct as a public officer and breach of trust with fraudulent intent, among other allegations. The investigation is being handled by both the FBI and multiple state agencies, further underscoring the seriousness of the situation surrounding Wright’s actions during his time in office.
The Context Behind Harris’s Merchandise
The artist’s motivation stems from his frustration over public complacency towards political figures and their financial activities. Harris has previous experience creating smaller-scale T-shirts for friends but indicated that this venture marks his first attempt at selling merchandise publicly. The backlash against Wright has not only highlighted issues of financial misconduct but has also led to scrutiny of Wright’s hiring practices, including claims involving the employment of his son in the sheriff’s office.
Wright’s Defense
In response to the allegations, Wright has attributed his credit card spending issues to a mix-up between personal and county-issued cards, claiming it was a simple mistake due to the similarity in card colors. However, this clarification has not quelled public unrest or diminished the scrutiny surrounding his administrative practices.
The initiative by Harris to create merchandise aimed at holding politicians accountable reflects a growing trend where citizens use creative outlets to express dissatisfaction with their elected officials. As actions against Wright unfold, the outcome of the investigations remains to be seen, but the impact on public perception and accountability measures in Spartanburg is already evident.
As debates over political transparency and ethical conduct continue in Spartanburg, Harris’s merchandise stands as a vocal, albeit controversial, symbol of citizen unrest and a call for greater accountability in local government.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Shirt Sticker
- GoUpstate: Ex-Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright Could Face Charges
- Fox Carolina: Investigation into Former Sheriff Chuck Wright
- WYFF4: FBI and SLED Investigation into Former Sheriff Chuck Wright
- Wikipedia: Corruption in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption
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.
