News Summary
Tracy Moss, ex-sergeant of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, is suing Sheriff Chuck Wright for wrongful termination, alleging retaliation for her support of political opponent Nick Duncan. Moss claims her firing stems from a politically motivated agenda after her criticism of department practices, despite findings of no wrongdoing by investigations into her conduct. The case highlights the ongoing turbulence within the sheriff’s office amidst higher turnover and external investigations into Wright.
Spartanburg
Tracy Moss, a former sergeant with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, has initiated a lawsuit against Sheriff Chuck Wright, alleging wrongful termination and claims that her dismissal was a result of political retaliation. Moss contends she was unjustly targeted after publicly supporting Wright’s political opponent, Nick Duncan, during the June 2024 Republican primary.
Moss’s legal action underscores a troubling narrative, as she asserts that Wright labeled her as part of a “hit list” for employees who backed Duncan. Reports indicate that in January 2024, Wright allegedly instructed retired Captain Steve Cooper, Moss’s supervisor, to prepare for her termination due to her political leanings. Moss claims to have learned from other deputies in the department that Wright intended to dismiss anyone who supported Duncan.
Central to the controversy is the placement of a large sign supporting Duncan adjacent to her brother-in-law’s business, which Moss argues exacerbated her situation. Following a vacation return on July 8, 2024, she was informed of her termination over allegations of misconduct linked to case closures in the department’s computer system. Moss defends her actions, stating that these closures were part of an “administrative cleanup” process rather than improper practices, and she disputed the claims that she had violated policies related to truthfulness and performance.
Moss’s termination letter cited various allegations of impropriety, prompting a subsequent investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). However, SLED found no evidence of wrongdoing concerning Moss’s conduct. The lawsuit claims that the reasons provided for her firing are mere pretexts for a politically motivated dismissal, attributing her termination to her support of Duncan.
Moss is represented by attorney Paul Porter, who is also advocating for former Lt. Jeremy Byrd in a similar legal challenge against Wright regarding wrongful termination due to Byrd’s inquiries into the sheriff’s office’s hiring practices. Notably, Wright and his office have refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal matters, consistent with their policy of not discussing current litigation.
New Policies and Investigations
In the wake of these allegations, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a new policy that prohibits certain relationships and communications deemed unacceptable by the sheriff, although specifics defining what constitutes “inappropriate” behavior remain unclear. During Moss’s termination meeting, it was reported that Wright referred to a picture of a juvenile, accusing her of negligence in related cases without sufficient context.
Since her termination, Moss has struggled to find employment with other law enforcement agencies, primarily due to the fallout from Wright’s allegations. Wright himself is currently under investigation by the FBI for claims concerning improper spending and drug use, and he has taken a leave of absence from his responsibilities. In his absence, Chief Deputy Billy Parris is overseeing operations within the sheriff’s office.
High Turnover in the Sheriff’s Office
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office has faced significant challenges in recent years, experiencing a remarkable turnover rate of 75 resignations over the last two and a half years, indicating possible underlying issues within the department. Tracy Moss served in various roles within the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office from 2003 until her contentious termination in 2024, further emphasizing the impact of these events not just on individual careers, but also on the stability of law enforcement in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Hit List Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- WYFF4: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Lawsuit
- Google Search: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright lawsuit
- Go Upstate: Sheriff Chuck Wright Sued by Former Employee
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright lawsuit
- Post and Courier: Sheriff Chuck Wright FBI Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg County
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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