Just days after our report that former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright faces action by the State Ethics Commission, he has admitted to federal charges that he conspired to steal money from the Sheriff's Office.
He also admitted to the federal government that he raided a financial aid fund intended to help the families of deputies.
The ex-sheriff is charged by the US Attorney's Office with misappropriating funds, wire fraud and obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation.
Former Sheriff's Office Chaplain Amos Durham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft from federally funded programs and Lawson "LB" Watson, a relative of the former sheriff, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The investigation says Wright used much of the money on opioid drugs The plea agreement admits some of that came from the Chaplain's benevolence fund, controlled by Durham.
Lawson Watson is accused of collecting 200 thousand dollars worth of paychecks between 2021 and February of thus year, but never did any actual work for the sheriff's office.
His attorney said Thursday night that Watson is fully cooperating with the federal government. All three face prison time, $250,000 fines, and are ordered to make restitution payments.