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Sheriff Chuck Wright’s Credit Card Use Sparks Controversy

Public meeting about Sheriff Chuck Wright's credit card usage

News Summary

Concerns are rising in Spartanburg County regarding Sheriff Chuck Wright’s credit card spending. An audit revealed that his county-funded card operates outside established guidelines, with over $53,600 spent on items that raise questions about mismanagement and accountability. Wright’s recent expenses, including lavish dining and hotels, have prompted calls for stricter regulations on county-funded expenses. As discussions on policy reform continue, residents are eager to see changes that ensure transparency in public spending.

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright’s Credit Card Use Raising Eyebrows

Spartanburg County Under the Microscope

In Spartanburg, South Carolina, attention is zeroing in on Sheriff Chuck Wright as questions swirl about his use of a county-funded credit card. Having been sworn into office again in November 2024, Wright has been serving as sheriff since 2004. However, the past few weeks have uncovered some interesting details that have raised concerns among residents and council members alike.

Annual Audit Drops the Bombshell

At the Spartanburg County Council meeting held on January 27, 2025, Andrew Coleman of Greene Finney Cauley delivered the annual audit of county finances, revealing some eyebrow-raising findings. The audit uncovered that Sheriff Wright’s credit card, funded by county dollars, was *not* part of the county’s established purchasing card (P-card) program, which was kicked off back in 2006. This program currently includes 141 county employees, even extending to the elected Clerk of Court.

Wright’s credit card stands alone outside of the P-card program, which establishes strict spending rules for employee expenditures. This unusual status has sparked significant debate among local officials.

A Look at the Spending

From the records examined, Wright’s credit card usage from December 2017 through April 2024 shows he spent a staggering *over $53,600*. Noteworthy expenditures included around $12,000 on Apple.com, food costs racking up to about $8,000 in fast-food and restaurant visits, and another $8,000 on stays at high-end hotels. The sheriff also made purchases at familiar places like Amazon and Dollar General, showing a diverse range of spending habits that didn’t exactly focus on official business.

Adding to the concerns, it has been noted that Wright often neglected to keep the receipts for these purchases. This lack of documentation is a big no-no within the scopes of the P-card program, where every expense must be accounted for.

Changes in Light of Scrutiny

Following the media firestorm over these revelations, the regulations regarding Wright’s credit card have been tightened up. Now, there are efforts underway to adjust his spending patterns to align more closely with the P-card guidelines. This ensures he doesn’t spend county funds on personal interests, a concern that has significantly alarmed the county council and local residents.

Notably, Wright, who earns over $200,000 a year, admitted to accidentally using the county card for personal expenses instead of his own, a gaffe he termed a simple oversight. However, he had a small win in the wake of backlash, returning about $1,100, largely stemming from those questionable Apple.com purchases.

Looking Ahead: Policy Changes on the Horizon?

The council members have been in discussions about putting a more standardized set of rules in place to govern county-funded cards, but they haven’t landed a solid solution yet. There’s an air of concern surrounding the potential for mismanagement and a lapse in accountability regarding how public funds are utilized by elected officials.

Wright’s recent spending habits have included hefty bills on fine dining, streaming services, hotels, and other personal expenditures that simply don’t sit well with the council. The call for tighter controls continues to echo through local government meetings.

In summary, the situation regarding Sheriff Chuck Wright’s credit card spending invites serious discussions about the accountability of public officials and the importance of transparency in managing taxpayer dollars. As the council prepares to revisit the policies regulating county-funded card usage, many in Spartanburg County are watching closely to see how these new guidelines will take shape and if they will prevent such questionable expenditures in the future.