Latest news with #ChuckWright
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
SLED confirms investigation into former Spartanburg County sheriff: What to know
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright on allegations of misconduct. SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich confirmed that agents began investigating Wright's conduct in September 2024. More information will be forthcoming, she said. Attorney General Alan Wilson shared a letter he wrote on June 12 to the Seventh Circuit Solicitor's Office saying Wright could soon be charged with misconduct of a public officer; use of official position for financial gain; obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations, or compounds by fraud or deceit; and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. More: Interim sheriff says 'Operation Rolling Thunder' to be phased out; Wright's son resigns More: Decision to slash sheriff's salary assailed by county council critics, 'lack of foresight' Former Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Amos Durham could be facing a charge of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, according to the letter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Wright took a leave of absence on April 1 and resigned May 23 amid controversy, including allegations of improper use of a county credit card, as well as an ethics investigation involving Wright hiring his son. Durham stepped down from his role as chaplain on May 5. Wright was the sheriff for more than 21 years. He was first elected sheriff in November 2004. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: SLED confirms investigation into former Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NAACP of Spartanburg County hosting forum for candidates running to replace Chuck Wright
Candidates for county sheriff will meet to discuss their platforms at an upcoming NAACP event. The Spartanburg County NAACP will host a Sheriff's Forum on July 15. The event will take place at the CC Woodson Community Center, 210 Bomar Ave., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will host candidates running for sheriff in Spartanburg County. Former Spartanburg County Councilman and NAACP County president, Michael Brown, will be the moderator for the event. Visitors will need tickets to enter. The tickets are free. Click here for tickets. Candidates are running to replace the previous sheriff, Chuck Wright, who resigned on May 23, following allegations of improper use of a county credit card, as well as an ethics investigation involving Wright's hiring of his son. On June 12, Attorney General Alan Wilson wrote a letter to the Seventh Circuit Solicitor's Office saying Wright could soon be charged with misconduct of a public officer; use of official position for financial gain; obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations, or compounds by fraud or deceit; and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division later confirmed an investigation into Wright. More: SLED confirms investigation into former Spartanburg County sheriff: What to know More: Former Spartanburg County sheriff, chaplain could face charges following SLED investigation More: Decision to slash sheriff's salary assailed by county council critics, 'lack of foresight' According to the NAACP, the following candidates have accepted an invitation to the forum. Adam Crisp Nick Duncan Rusty Clevenger Andy Clark Randy Hollifield Joseph Pilato Ric Stephens Bill Rhyne Robert J. Cheeks This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg County NAACP forum to host sheriff candidates, what to know
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former Spartanburg County sheriff, chaplain could face charges following SLED investigation
Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright and the department's former chaplain are under investigation and may be facing multiple charges. According to a letter sent from Attorney General Alan Wilson to the Seventh Circuit Solicitor's Office, Wright could soon be charged with misconduct of a public officer, use of official position for financial gain, obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations, or compounds by fraud or deceit, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. Chaplain Amos Durham could be facing a charge of breach of trust with fraudulent intent. More: Interim sheriff says 'Operation Rolling Thunder' to be phased out; Wright's son resigns More: After 20 years, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright resigns, interim leader named In a letter written on June 12 from Wilson's office, it outlined four potential charges investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division against Wright and one against Durham. The Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office asked to transfer Wright's possible prosecution due to conflicts of interest. According to the documents, the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, serving Anderson and Oconee counties, will handle the potential prosecution of the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Wright resigned from the Sheriff's Office on May 23 amid controversy, including allegations of improper use of a county credit card, as well as an ethics investigation involving Wright's hiring of his son. Wright took a leave of absence on April 1, with reports being that he had checked into rehab. Durham stepped down from his role as chaplain on May 5. Wright was the sheriff for more than 21 years. He was first elected sheriff in November 2004. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Ex Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, chaplain could face charges
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Decision to slash sheriff's salary assailed by county council critics, 'lack of foresight'
Martha Foster believes Spartanburg County Council's decision to slash the salary of the future Spartanburg County Sheriff will make it more challenging to attract the right person for the job. 'It is disgusting to see the lack of insight, the lack of responsibility, and the lack of foresight' on the part of council members, she said. Foster was one of several community members who spoke at Monday's county council meeting to criticize the decision to cut the sheriff's pay in half. Speakers drew raucous applause from some of the attendees. 'You cannot get good, qualified people if you don't pay them properly,' Richard Burch told council members. Former Sheriff Chuck Wright resigned in May amid controversy that included allegations of misuse of a county credit card and an ongoing FBI investigation into the sheriff's office. A special election will take place in November to choose his replacement. Last week, county council voted unanimously to set the first-year salary of the new sheriff at $100,000, plus a $15,000 stipend. Wright's salary had been $219,000 with a $15,000 stipend. 'It was quite a difficult discussion,' Chairman Manning Lynch said last week. The decision to cut the salary was a way to begin getting some control over a sheriff's office that many believe had gotten out of hand. Lynch said last week that council members 'feel so betrayed and let down' by Wright. He said he expects the sheriff's salary will be increased after the first year. Council members voted to approve the funding of an outside audit of the sheriff's office staffing as part of its roughly $334 million 2025-2026 fiscal year operating budget. The budget received third reading approval on Monday night. The sheriff's office is 'our largest department, our largest cost, so we want to make sure that dollars are going to people doing the right job,' said Monier Abusaft, who represents Spartanburg County Council District 1. Several council members raised concerns about the sheriff's aviation program, which includes two helicopters and personnel to operate them. Last week, Interim Sheriff Jeffery Stephens said he is reviewing the program. The helicopters 'are very, very expensive to maintain,' he noted. Attendees at Monday's meeting seemed unimpressed by the council's efforts to get a better handle on the sheriff's office. Woodruff resident Chris Young said council members shouldn't be too aggressive in exerting control over a sheriff elected by the county's voters. 'The idea of a county council overseeing the sheriff's office is wrong,' he said. Frank Tiller, who was recently elected to serve as chairman of the Spartanburg County Republican Party, said he thinks the move to slash the sheriff's salary was 'ridiculous.' However, he took a broader aim at the council, alleging that meetings often feel scripted, decisions are frequently made outside the public's view, and the common fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements with businesses lack transparency. He asked audience members to raise their hands if they shared his concerns. Many did. 'We're not happy – we're not happy at all,' Tiller said. Abusaft, the only Democrat on the council, took several minutes to respond to those who criticized council members. While he didn't address issues such as fee-in-lieu agreements, he did push back against the logic that lower starting pay for the next sheriff will diminish the quality of the candidates. He noted that the field of Republican candidates in the special election to replace Wright has remained crowded, even after news of the reduced salary. 'It's not like Sheriff Walker, Texas Ranger, was coming, but now he's not,' Abusaft remarked. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Comments at Spartanburg council meeting focus on cut in sheriff's pay
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Deputy salaries, Rolling Thunder, crowded detention center, ICE on minds of sheriff candidates
For the first time in more than 20 years, voters will elect a new Spartanburg County Sheriff. Eight candidates for the position shared the stage on July 11 to make their case to voters before the August 5 Republican Party primary. A special election will take place on November 4. Candidates emphasized several common themes throughout the two-hour program: transparency and accountability, recruitment and retention of deputies, and enhancing morale in a sheriff's office that has undergone considerable upheaval. Former Sheriff Chuck Wright resigned in May following months of controversy. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are currently investigating the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. More: After 20 years, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright resigns, interim leader named The July 11 forum, held at Converse University's Twichell Auditorium and hosted by the Spartanburg County Republican Party, featured candidates Robert Cheeks, Andy Clark, Rusty Clevenger, Nick Duncan, Randy Hollifield, Joseph Pilato, Bill Rhyne, and Nic Stephens. A crowd of about 750 was in attendance. Bill Frady, a host on WORD radio, served as the moderator. He gave each candidate time for a short introduction before posing a series of questions to the group. In their responses, candidates generally agreed that salaries for sheriff's office deputies should be a priority. 'Other counties are paying more,' said Clevenger, who currently serves as Spartanburg County Coroner. 'We've got to be competitive. We've got to let (sheriff's deputies) know we care.' Hollifield said he would press Spartanburg County Council about deputies' pay. 'Deputies put their lives on the line, and yet you don't want to pay them what they deserve – the time is now to change that,' he said. Clark said it will be crucial for the next sheriff to establish effective communication with the county council to secure adequate funding for salaries and other essential needs. 'We'll explain the 'why,'' he said. 'We will fight them at times, but we'll work with them.' Stephens said a deputy with a family to support could be 'living in poverty,' based on current sheriff's office salaries. 'We need to do something about that.' But Stephens isn't sure help has to come by way of increased funding from the county council. Touting his background as a forensic accountant, he said, 'I see fat in the budget. There could be some reallocation to support pay.' Other candidates emphasized strategies for enhancing staff morale and retention that extend beyond pay. Cheeks, who serves in a leadership role with the sheriff's Uniform Patrol Division, said it's essential to establish an environment of open communication and trust. 'To truly know what's best for (deputies), you have to listen to them. I want everyone to have a voice,' he said. Duncan, who took on Wright and lost in the Republican primary last year, said he believes morale in the sheriff's office has been harmed by an atmosphere of 'fear.' He said he would 'meet with all the deputies without their supervisors' and conduct exit interviews with those leaving to understand the concerns of staff members better. 'Sometimes people will work for less money if they are respected and treated fairly,' he said. 'If not, they will go somewhere else.' Pilato worked in law enforcement in Texas and Florida before joining the City of Spartanburg Police Department 14 years ago. He said morale is, in large part, a function of 'leading by example' and providing plentiful opportunities for training and professional development. 'When officers are healthy, service to all of you is healthy,' he told those in attendance. Bill Rhyne, a former deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office who later worked with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, emphasized the importance of leadership and relationships. 'When you change the culture, you'll have people who want to be there,' he said. Several candidates discussed 'Operation Rolling Thunder,' an annual sweep of Interstates 26 and 85, aimed at seizing drugs. Under the state's civil asset forfeiture law, officers also seized cash they suspected was connected to crime. The effort had become controversial in recent years, and interim Sheriff Jeffery Stephens said he plans to phase it out. 'I do not agree with civil asset forfeiture – if there's not a crime, we shouldn't be taking people's assets,' Rhyne said, prompting a smattering of applause from the audience. Cheeks said he believed Rolling Thunder had been worthwhile early on, 'but over the years, it has been taken advantage of. We aren't pirates. We're not here to supplement our budget by seizing money from people up and down the highways.' Several candidates said overcrowding at the Spartanburg County Detention Center is a problem the county must address. 'The detention center is a mess,' said Hollifield, who has worked there as part of the command staff. 'There's room for 574 people, and they're running a thousand each and every day.' Stephens said there may be some inmates in the county jail who don't need to be there. 'They were jailed for not paying a traffic fine or not showing up to court, and they're taking up space and we're feeding them,' he said. Clevenger said overcrowding at the jail is a matter of poor planning by county leaders. 'I was around when the jail opened (in 1994), and it was full right away. We need to be looking farther ahead and figure out how to invest now instead of it costing more money later.' Cheeks said he would like to see more resources directed at connecting inmates with workforce training "so that when you leave, you'll have tangible resources for a job." Frady asked the candidates about a political concept known as 'constitutional sheriff' and one of its leading proponents, Richard Mack. The ideology promotes the theory that sheriffs have greater authority within their local jurisdictions than any other government entity, including federal or state governments. This includes the authority to interpret laws in accordance with their beliefs about the United States Constitution. Critics argue that the movement lacks a constitutional basis and that its adherents have promoted unfounded claims of interference or fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Mack allegedly has ties to white supremacists. None of the candidates specifically said they believe the Spartanburg County Sheriff has the right to override or nullify federal or state law. But several said they would defend county residents' Bill of Rights freedoms. Clark said the sheriff has 'got to protect your rights. That includes freedom of speech, the freedom to protest.' Pointing to the Second Amendment and gun ownership, Rhyne said he would 'never let anyone come take your guaranteed rights from you.' Duncan described the sheriff as 'the last line of defense' against a federal government seeking to take away citizens' rights. Several candidates were critical of federal policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including mask and vaccine mandates. Hollifield and Pilato boasted that they had not gotten the COVID-19 vaccination. Clevenger noted that he respected his father's decision not to be vaccinated. He said his father later died from COVID-19. Meanwhile, candidates said they would work closely with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to find illegal immigrants. 'We will always work hand in hand with them to make sure illegal immigration is dealt with properly,' said Pilato. 'I will work with ICE if they need to come in and get rid of illegal immigrants,' Duncan said. Rhyne said he would 'provide every asset we have to (target) illegal immigrants who are a threat to our community.' Plans for the forum have stirred some controversy in recent weeks, prompting one candidate to withdraw from participation. Initially, each candidate was allotted 100 tickets to be sold at $10. Additional tickets would cost $12.50. It was revealed that Frank Tiller, the recently elected chair of the Spartanburg County GOP, remarked that a free event might attract 'hot, sweaty people, too cheap to purchase a ticket.' As the Herald-Journal previously reported, candidate Adam Crisp announced on Facebook that he would not attend the forum, saying, 'I believe in treating voters with dignity, not disdain.' Tiller referenced his comments in opening remarks at the July 11 forum. He praised the candidates' hard work on the campaign trail and jokingly said, 'We've all been a little hot and sweaty this summer.' Following public criticism of the admission fee, Tiller lined up sponsors, including the Conservative Defense Fund and former state Sen. Lee Bright, to cover the cost of holding the forum at Twichell Auditorium. Tiller said the party issued a refund to those who had purchased tickets and made the remaining tickets free. Converse President Boone Hopkins said the university charged about $1,000 to cover the electricity and personnel costs associated with hosting the event. Hopkins, who was on hand for the forum, said he was pleased for Converse to serve as the setting for 'an important conversation like this."He added, "I want Converse to be a place where community members talk about big ideas and make decisions as citizens and voters.' Frank Wrennall took the opportunity to learn more about the candidates. He's a former police officer, and he said law enforcement is 'a calling.' Wrennall declined to say whether he was leaning toward a particular candidate, but he said he was impressed with the group overall. 'I think they touched on all the aspects of what it takes to be a good sheriff.' This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Sheriff candidates on pay: Deputies 'put their lives on the line'
