Spartanburg Sheriff Stays Silent Amid Nepotism Allegations
Sheriff Accused ofEmploying His Son, Sparks Public Outrage
Spartanburg County, South Carolina – The town’s Sheriff, Chuck Wrighte, has chosen not to comment against allegations of nepotism resulting as a backlash from his constituents. As of Monday, July 1, the Sheriff has prompted criticism over contravention of the S.C. Ethics Reform Act by personally swearing in his son, Jared “Andy” Wright, as a deputy during a private ceremony conducted at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Background of Nepotism Allegations
The following week, the SCSO announced Andy’s appointment on Facebook, citing him as the newest deputy of the department. Prior to joining SCSO, Andy served as a Lieutenant at the Fort Jackson Fire Department and a K-9 handler for the Duncan Police Department (DPD). A previous service member of the Lyman Police Department (LPD) insighted that Andy’s appointments were primarily facilitated owing to his father’s position.
In the wake of complaints revolving around the death of Andy’s K9 partner, Kaos, and subsequesnt discharge from DPD in 2023, Sheriff Wright’s decision to further employ his son amplifies the accusations of nepotism.
The Aftermath of the Nepotism Allegations
The Sheriff’s decision reportedly correlates to an incident where he terminated a 27-year employee for political differences during a GOP primary in the preceding month. This move triggered formidable allegations of nepotism and retaliation in the process.
Requests for comments on the allegations by HERE News Network were neither acknowledged nor responded to by SCSO’s Public Information Officer, Kevin Bobo.
The Ethical Boundaries of Employment
Upon reaching out, the S.C. State Ethics Commission provided clarity on the matter by confirming that sheriffs are not exempt from complying with the S.C. Code of Law § 8-13-750(A). This crucial law prohibits public officials from employing, promoting, transferring, or advancing family members to an office or position where the official has supervisory or managerial roles.
However, the law also allows public officials to excuse themselves from potentially conflicting issues. They added that Andy could retain his position as deputy if his father submitted his recusal in writing. But this information has not been confirmed as neither SCSO nor Lt. Bobo have publicly admitted any acknowledgment of these allegations thus far.
Public Response to the Allegations
Since the incident, approximately 430 Facebook users have responded either in support or criticism of SCSO’s decision to employ Andy. The disturbance sparked by the proceedings highlights the importance of countering a potential perception of impropriety.
More updates on this case are expected to be shared in the coming days.
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