Spartanburg Sheriff Remains Silent on Nepotism Allegations

The sheriff of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, declined to comment on allegations of nepotism filed by several of his constituents.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Sheriff Chuck Wright appears to have violated South Carolina’s ethics reform law by personally delegating his son, Jared “Andy” Wrightduring a one-on-one ceremony at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

“Please join us in congratulating our newest sworn deputy,” the SCSO posted on Facebook Monday. “He is currently a lieutenant with the Fort Jackson Fire Department and a former dog handler for the Duncan Police Department.”

In September 2020, after serving four years As a reservist with the Lyman Police Department (LPD), Andy transferred to the Duncan Police Department (DPD) – eventually becoming a part-time dog handler. He held this position for approximately three years.

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It appears another sheriff has abandoned the importance of maintaining a transparent office. #Stay tuned ? pic.twitter.com/uk3rGb4ulk

— Andrew Fancher (@RealAndyFancher) July 3, 2024

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“I’m not surprised,” said one former command staff member. “The only reason he was a reserve officer (at LPD) was because of his father. Then, because of his father, (DPD) finally sent him to the academy and gave him a chance to work part-time… Look how that turned out.”

On September 13, 2023, Andy’s four-legged partner, K9 Kaosdied unexpectedly while off-duty. Six days later, the DPD fired Andy and disbanded all part-time officers, according to training records provided by the SC Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).

“We were concerned that K9 Kaos died because Andy wasn’t feeding him properly,” a source close to the DPD said. “We eventually did a necropsy on the dog and determined that his stomach had turned… (Andy) was hanging for quite a while before they finally let him go.”

Despite the aforementioned incident, Sheriff Wright delegated his son last week. Last Monday’s ceremony took place ten months after Andy’s dismissal from DPD and two months before portions of his Class 1 law enforcement certification expire due to inactivity.

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“If you’re out of service (in law enforcement) for a year or up to three years, you’re supposed to pass a challenge test,” a law enforcement expert confirmed. “It’s a cumulative test that they also give basic law enforcement students… The SCCJA allows for challenge on a case-by-case basis.”

SCSO deputies have since said Andy’s hiring came a week after Sheriff Wright fired a 27-year employee for supporting his opposition in last month’s Republican primary. The five-term sheriff reportedly fired two more subordinates during the same period.

In addition to the retaliation allegations, the incumbent is accused of violating nepotism laws by personally employing his son.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, FITSNews sent an email to the SCSO Public Information Officer Kevin Bobo not once, but twice. Although he is responsible for communicating with the media, Bobo has not yet responded to our request for comment on the allegations.

Staff at the South Carolina State Ethics Commission (SCSEC) were much more responsive, responding to our email within 21 minutes of its mailing on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. The office has since confirmed that sheriffs are not exempt from S.C. Code of Law § 8-13-750(A), which reads:

“No public official, member of the public or public employee may cause the employment, appointment, promotion, transfer or advancement of a member of his family to any state or local office or position in which the official… supervises or manages.”

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The agency added that S.C. Code of Law § 8-13-700(B) allows public officials to recuse themselves from any potentially divisive matter. It further confirmed that Andy Wright can remain a deputy as long as his father submits his recusal in writing.

Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing whether Sheriff Wright has submitted a written challenge, as neither the SCSO nor Lt. Bobo have publicly acknowledged their constituents. At the time of this publication, some 430 Facebook users either praised or condemned the SCSO for delegating Andy.

“There’s nothing wrong with a father being proud of his child,” concluded one lawyer familiar with law enforcement. “But even with an exemption, it creates an appearance of impropriety… He failed the intelligent test on that point.”

This story may be updated.

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ANDY’S SCCJA FILE…

(SCCJA)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Andrew Fancher Andy is a Lone Star Emmy Award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. Coming from a line of outlaws and law enforcement, he was the first in his family to graduate from college, graduating with honors. Have a story idea or news tip for Andy? Email him directly and connect with him on social media TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

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