Fall From Grace: Former Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges

A long and controversial chapter in Spartanburg County law enforcement has reached a stunning conclusion.

Former Sheriff Chuck Wright agreed on Wednesday to plead guilty to a trio of federal charges, ending widespread speculation about his abrupt departure from office.

The admission marks a dark chapter for local law enforcement.

Wright, who served as the county's top cop from 2004 until his resignation in May 2025, now faces a reckoning on three severe federal counts.

The charges include conspiracy to commit theft from programs receiving federal funds, wire fraud conspiracy, and obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation.

This is a stunning downfall for a man who was once one of the most powerful figures in the Upstate.

As part of the plea agreement, Wright has consented to forfeit a staggering sum of money back to the government.

Prosecutors have detailed what they believe to be a significant theft of county funds, with the agreement specifying a forfeiture of at least $440,000.

That figure, which represents a profound betrayal of public trust, could still change as the case progresses.

The plea deal also contains a critical concession from the government, which agreed not to pursue a separate federal charge related to possessing a firearm while being addicted to a controlled substance.

Legal experts suggest this was a significant victory for Wright's defense team, negotiated as part of the broader plea arrangement.

Despite the guilty plea, Wright's final fate remains uncertain for now.

The path from a plea to a final sentence is a lengthy one, often taking anywhere from four to eight months before a judge makes a final ruling.

First, a formal hearing will take place where a judge will advise Wright of his constitutional rights before he officially enters his guilty plea.

Following that, the U.S. Probation Office will compile an extensive pre-sentence report over several months.

This report will use the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Manual to calculate a recommended sentence, though a judge has the authority to go above or below these guidelines.

While Wright has no prior criminal history, which places him in a lower category, his offense level calculation will be complex.

Pleading guilty will reduce his score, but his role as sheriff and the “misuse of a position of public trust” will be a powerful aggravating factor.

His resignation in May 2025, initially attributed to health reasons, is now cast in a completely different light by these federal charges against the former Spartanburg County Sheriff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What federal charges did Chuck Wright plead guilty to?

Former Sheriff Chuck Wright pleaded guilty to three counts: conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, wire fraud conspiracy, and obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation.

How long was Chuck Wright the Sheriff of Spartanburg County?

Chuck Wright served as the Spartanburg County Sheriff for over two decades, from 2004 until he resigned from his position in May 2025.

What happens now that Chuck Wright has pleaded guilty?

Following his guilty plea, the U.S. Probation Office will prepare a pre-sentence report. A federal judge will then consider this report and other factors before officially sentencing him, a process that could take several months.