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Chief Deputy Jeffery R. Stephens to serve as interim sheriff 

 

SPARTANBURG COUNTY—Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright submitted his resignation letter to Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday, May 23, after serving more than twenty years in the position.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served in law enforcement since 1986 and as Sheriff of Spartanburg County since 2005,” Wright wrote in his letter. “Due to a recent health diagnosis, I hereby tender my resignation effective immediately.”

Wright’s resignation comes as he is being investigated for illegally using county credit cards and hiring his son last year. The former sheriff is also facing lawsuits alleging the wrongful termination of employees.

The now-former sheriff took a leave of absence beginning April 1, citing a medical issue, though the diagnosis was never revealed. Sources within Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office said Wright had announced he would be entering rehab, but an official announcement regarding alleged drug use was never made. On May 16, Wright returned to the office after county officials informed him he would no longer be paid while on leave.

Wright began his career at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in 1986 before being elected sheriff. Chief Deputy Jeffery F. Stephens of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office will serve as interim sheriff for Spartanburg County until a special election is held later this year.