Another South Carolina Sheriff’s Corruption Scandal Exposes Systemic Oversight Failures

In yet another blow to law enforcement integrity, former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright is set to plead guilty to federal charges involving the theft of funds intended for law enforcement deputies and the illicit acquisition of controlled substances. This latest case exposes a deeply troubling reality: a lack of meaningful oversight allows some elected sheriffs in South Carolina to misuse their power with little accountability. How Does a System Designed to Protect Citizens Enable Abuse? South Carolina’s unique system grants sheriffs broad autonomy over budgets, hiring, and policing priorities within their counties. While this structure is meant to empower...