Latest news with #GovernorMcMaster
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Community, law enforcement react to Sheriff Chuck Wright's resignation
SPARTANBURG CO., S.C. (WSPA) – Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright has resigned just days after he returned to office from a seven week leave of absence. Spartanburg County Council members confirmed Wright's resignation. One resident said that while he is shocked to hear the news, he feels it needed to happen. 'If he's resigning for medical reasons, I hope he gets better, but I do kind of find that to be a bit of a bogus or a scarecrow excuse, given that everything has come out against him,' a man said. In the months leading up to Wright's announcement on Friday, he was in the hot seat after being accused of hiring his son and spending taxpayer dollars using a county credit card without reason. Council said that $1,100 was paid back. 'He really disappointed me with everything that I heard about him,' a man said. Wright said in his resignation letter addressed to the governor that he is resigning because of a recent health diagnosis as his reason for resigning. Governor Henry McMaster has appointed current Cherokee County Sheriff's Office chief deputy Jeffrey Stephens to serve as interim Spartanburg County Sheriff. 'Obviously it's a loss for us, but he's one county over, and he's a resident of Spartanburg,' said Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller. 'He's lived there most of his life. He's still available if we need him and we will elevate someone into the chief deputy's role at the sheriff's office next week. We'll continue business as usual here.' Stephens shared a statement, saying he's 'honored to accept the role.' 'I look forward to working alongside our deputies, staff, and community leaders to build upon the strengths of this office and ensure a safe and secure future for all who call Spartanburg County home,' Stephens added. Sheriff Mueller said with Stephens' 43 years of experience in law enforcement, he's more than qualified. 'First and foremost, the men and women at the sheriff's office will be in great hands and the citizens of Spartanburg County. They'll be in great hands,' Mueller continued. 'He knows what it takes to run a sheriff's office with his extensive career in law enforcement. He's seen pretty much everything that you could possibly see,' said Mueller. Stephens will serve until a new sheriff is decided though a special election set to be held later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Deeply honored': New sheriff for Spartanburg Co. speaks out
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — After Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright sent in a resignation letter to Governor Henry McMaster on Friday, a new interim sheriff was appointed. McMaster announced that that Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Jeffery Stephens has been appointed to serve as Spartanburg County to the sheriff's office, Stephens started his career with the SCSO in 1980. Stephens, a Boiling Springs resident, has been chief deputy in Cherokee County since 2011 and spent 25 years with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, according to the governor's office. The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office said they welcome Sheriff Stephens back to the county and expressed confidence in his ability 'to lead with integrity and professionalism during this transitional period.' Stephens will serve as sheriff until a special election is held later this year to fill the position. A letter from Stephens regarding his appointment can be read below. I am deeply honored to accept the appointment by Governor Henry McMaster to serve as Sheriff of Spartanburg County. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and fully recognize the responsibility that comes with this critical role. As someone born and raised in Spartanburg County, this community has always been home. My career in law enforcement began here more than four decades ago. Today, I return to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office with a profound sense of duty and humility. It is both a privilege and a calling to serve the citizens of Spartanburg once again as their Sheriff. Throughout my 43 years of service, including my time as Chief Deputy at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, management within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, patrol officer at the Spartanburg Police Department, and deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, I have committed myself to public safety, professional integrity, and the fair enforcement of the law. I bring that same commitment to this office. My promise to the people of Spartanburg County is simple: I will serve you dutifully and diligently while upholding the law with transparency, respect, and accountability. In the days ahead, I look forward to working alongside our deputies, staff, and community leaders to build upon the strengths of this office and ensure a safe and secure future for all who call Spartanburg County home. Sincerely,Sheriff Jeffery F. StephensSpartanburg County Sheriff's Office Though an exact timeline of the special election for sheriff is unclear, former corporal with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's office Nick Duncan, announced he is running for sheriff on Friday. Duncan previously announced a run for sheriff in March 2024, but lost the primary election in June. In an interview with 7NEWS, Duncan said he was not expecting Wright's resignation. 'That came as a complete shock,' he said. Duncan encouraged voters to decide what they want from their elected leaders. 'Just look at everybody, figure out what you want from your elected officials, and what beliefs most align with yours and make a good, educated decision.' Duncan continued. You can watch Duncan's official campaign announcement in the video player below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
