News Summary
Former Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright is facing possible state criminal charges related to misconduct and fraud during his tenure. Alongside him, former chaplain Amos Durham is also under investigation for similar allegations. These developments have raised serious concerns about the operational integrity of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, prompting a series of investigations by law enforcement agencies. The community is closely watching the ongoing situation and the potential candidates for the next sheriff role, as trust in the department has significantly eroded.
Spartanburg, SC – Former Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright is under potential scrutiny as he may face state criminal charges that include misconduct of a public officer, use of official position for financial gain, obtaining drugs by fraud, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. These allegations stem from a series of investigations into his conduct while serving as sheriff.
Additionally, former chaplain Amos Durham is also being investigated for similar charges related to breach of trust with fraudulent intent. The investigations have raised serious concerns about the operations within the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, particularly focusing on financial expenditures and issues related to drug use among personnel.
Wright resigned from his position on May 23, 2025, attributing his decision to a “recent health diagnosis.” His resignation followed an extended leave of absence that began on April 1, 2025. Wright had a lengthy tenure as sheriff, having held the position since first being elected in November 2004, serving for more than 21 years.
Due to conflicts of interest in the local jurisdiction, Attorney General Alan Wilson has authorized the transfer of prosecutorial responsibilities to the 10th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. This move is intended to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation into the allegations against Wright and Durham.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office has been facing significant scrutiny, particularly after public concerns arose regarding its financial practices and alleged drug-related misconduct within the department. Recent incidents have led to a notable erosion of community trust, prompting the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the State Ethics Commission, and the FBI to conduct ongoing investigations.
The department experienced a considerable public backlash following an incident involving a diesel-powered incinerator that emitted black smoke. This led to unsubstantiated accusations of evidence burning, further damaging the reputation of the sheriff’s office.
In light of these scandals, potential candidates for the upcoming sheriff position are strategizing on ways to restore trust within the community. Among the key candidates are Andy Clark, Robert Cheeks, Nick Duncan, Ric Stephens, Joseph Pilato, and Bill Rhyne. Each candidate has proposed various plans aimed at enhancing communication and accountability measures in the sheriff’s office.
As the department grapples with these ongoing issues, it faces the significant challenge of regaining community trust in light of claims of mismanagement and ethical misconduct. Wright’s investigations are compounded by his previous involvement in high-profile cases, such as the arrest of serial killer Todd Kohlhepp, presenting a complex legacy as the department attempts to move forward.
The situation within the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office remains fluid, with updates expected as investigations continue and potential judicial outcomes unfold. The community watches closely as the next chapter in the office’s history unfolds, highlighting the importance of integrity and transparency in law enforcement.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Ex-Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright Chaplain Could Face Charges
- Fox Carolina: Doc Sheds Light on State Investigation into Former Sheriff Chuck Wright
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Candidate Trusts Chuck Wright
- WYFF4: South Carolina Sheriff Chuck Wright Investigation Outlined
- Fox Carolina: Officials Say Chuck Wright Resigns as Spartanburg County Sheriff
- Wikipedia: Chuck Wright
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg Sheriff Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement Ethics
- Google News: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck 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.
