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Exploring misconduct from SC sheriffs, multiple charged with crimes

Stories by The State journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles examine the criminal charges and controversies surrounding South Carolina sheriffs, with a focus on Chuck Wright, the former Spartanburg County sheriff. All stories highlight issues of misconduct and abuse of power by sheriffs in South Carolina, revealing a pattern of criminal behavior among elected law enforcement officials in the state. Former Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy.

In a separate incident from 2020, Wright stood by controversial comments endorsing aggressive tactics against Black suspects. He stated that officers had 'every right' to shoot at the suspects. His refusal to apologize for these comments sparked backlash and community protests. Another article outlines a broader trend of criminal activity involving South Carolina sheriffs. Since 2010, 16 sheriffs have been charged with various crimes. These range from making inmates work on personal projects to schemes involving drug smuggling and embezzlement. More rigorous supervision and accountability measures are suggested to combat this ongoing issue.

NO. 1: SHERIFF WON’T APOLOGIZE FOR SAYING SC COPS HAD ‘EVERY RIGHT’ TO SHOOT BLACK SUSPECTS

He said the remarks were misunderstood. | Published September 22, 2020 | Read Full Story by Simone Jasper

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright

NO. 2: FORMER SPARTANBURG SHERIFF CHUCK WRIGHT TO PLEAD GUILTY TO WIRE FRAUD, CONSPIRACY

Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Charles Chuck Wright has agreed to plead guilty in federal court to engaging in a conspiracy to steal federal funds, according to a plea agreement made public Thursday. | Published September 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Monk

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright and Coroner Rusty Clevenger talk to the media outside Todd Kohlhepp's property on Wofford Road in Woodruff, S.C., Friday, November 4, 2016. By Gerry Melendez

NO. 3: 16 SINCE 2010. WHY ARE SO MANY SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS CHARGED WITH CRIMES?

On Sept. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ted Clifford

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.