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Chuck Wright under investigation for nepotism, alleged improper use of funds 

 

SPARTANBURG COUNTY—Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright recently announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from his position. His decision to step away coincides with multiple investigations currently underway regarding incidents involving Wright.

Spartanburg County Council Vice Chairman David Britt said that Cole Alverson, the county administrator, notified him that the sheriff was taking an “indefinite leave for medical reasons.” 

Other sources also indicate that Wright announced in a closed-door meeting that he is entering a rehab facility.

In July of last year, an investigation by the South Carolina Ethics Commission began after the hiring of Wright’s son, Jared Wright. The hiring raised serious questions about nepotism and conflict of interest, and an investigation was pursued. Sheriff Wright claims that he himself did not hire his son and that his son qualifies for the part-time position he was given.

In February 2025, former lieutenant Jeremy Byrd filed a lawsuit against Wright and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Byrd claims he was fired for raising concerns about nepotism.

Most recently, Sheriff Wright has been under fire by the FBI as they investigate allegations that he spent taxpayer dollars on a private credit card without justification. Reports also claim that Wright spent more than $53,000 using a county credit card, which he recently paid back more than $1000 in “Apple subscriptions” alone.

Sheriff Wright has served at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office for over 30 years. He became a deputy in 1986 and was elected sheriff in 2004. He was recently re-elected as sheriff in 2024.

“We are aware that the Sheriff has taken a leave of absence; however, we do not have any additional information at this time, and it would be inappropriate for us to speculate,” said Scottie Kay Blackwell, communications manager for Spartanburg County.

South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell stated that the sheriff’s office will continue to operate as normal as Chief Deputy Billy Parris takes over the role for the time being.