Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges, State Charges Dropped
The 10th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has informed the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division that former Spartanburg County sheriff Chuck Wright will not be facing state charges after his federal indictment. Wright, who appeared in federal court for an arraignment hearing, is accused of wire fraud conspiracy, obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, and conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. He has expressed his intent to plead guilty to all three federal charges.
Despite clear evidence of Wright's involvement in multiple crimes, the solicitor’s office has decided not to pursue charges against him as he is taking responsibility at the federal level. The office also stated that it will not pursue charges against former Spartanburg County Chaplain Amos Durham, who was also implicated in the federal indictment. The solicitor’s office believes that the federal courts are better equipped to ensure that the people of Spartanburg County receive restitution.
Wright, along with Durham and Lawson Berry Watson, a relative of Wright and a former sheriff’s office employee, are expected to plead guilty on Thursday morning. The solicitor’s office has chosen to rely on the federal courts to handle the case and ensure that the community is compensated for any wrongdoing.
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