News Summary
An audit of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office helicopter program has unveiled significant discrepancies in fuel purchases and mission log documentation. Over $34,000 was spent on helicopter fuel, with more than $16,500 incurred on days without mission logs. The county council’s recent budget cuts have raised concerns about the program’s future and operational integrity, prompting further scrutiny amid allegations against the former sheriff. The review highlights critical issues affecting accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – An audit of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office helicopter program has revealed significant discrepancies regarding fuel purchases and flight documentation practices, raising concerns amid recent funding cuts to the aviation program. The findings have emerged following a review of mission logs and fuel expenditure from January 1, 2023, to July 4, 2024.
The sheriff’s office expended over $34,000 on helicopter fuel purchased from Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport in this timeframe. Out of this amount, more than $16,500 was spent on days when no mission logs were filed, indicating a lack of proper documentation for helicopter usage. This inconsistency in record-keeping is alarming, as it violates internal department policies that stipulate a mission log must be created whenever a helicopter is operated.
The interim sheriff, Jeffery Stephens, initiated the audit after the county council’s decision to cut $103,000 from the aviation program’s budget, part of a broader annual budget of approximately $43.7 million for the sheriff’s office. This budget cut has raised concerns about the program’s sustainability and operational integrity.
County Councilman Monier Abusaft expressed skepticism about the utilization of the helicopters, describing them as a “plaything” of former Sheriff Chuck Wright, indicating they did not serve a meaningful law enforcement function. Indeed, an analysis of 130 mission logs revealed that only a third—approximately 33 out of 145—cited legitimate law enforcement purposes.
The audit uncovered notable discrepancies between the amounts of fuel recorded in mission logs and those reflected in the airport’s records. For instance, on January 27, 2023, the fuel records indicated the purchase of 39 gallons, while the mission log reflected only 25 gallons documented as used. The findings indicated that from October 13 to November 7, 2023, the sheriff’s office incurred $1,818 in fuel costs over ten days where no mission logs were documented, raising further questions about the program’s operational transparency.
Lieutenant Graham McLellan from the sheriff’s office was unable to provide clarification on the fuel purchases that lacked corresponding mission logs, suggesting that the helicopters might not require refueling after each flight. This raises further issues about accountability and proper operational procedures within the department.
Amid these controversies, Sheriff Wright resigned in May 2024, facing allegations of fund misappropriation, improper spending practices, and the initiation of an FBI investigation into his activities while in office. Former deputies have alleged that Wright frequently utilized the helicopters without required documentation, with some suggesting he diverted funds for personal use to enable more frequent flights.
The recent budget cuts and the prevailing dissatisfaction among county council members have resulted in the approval of a new sheriff’s salary set at $100,000, a substantial reduction from the previous sheriff’s salary of $219,000. Community members have voiced their concerns during county council meetings, arguing that such reductions could deter highly qualified candidates from pursuing the position.
As the county grapples with the implications of the audit results and resulting budget constraints, scrutiny over the helicopter program and its function within the law enforcement framework is likely to persist. The ongoing investigations and administrative changes will need to address the critical issues identified in the audit, ensuring that the sheriff’s office operates within ethical and accountable practices.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Helicopter Fuel Logs
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- GoUpstate: Comments at Spartanburg Council Meeting
- Google Search: Spartanburg sheriff helicopter
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Helicopter Funding
- Google News: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg’s Interim Sheriff Phases Out Operation Rolling Thunder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Scandal
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg county aeronautics
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.
