Three Former Spartanburg County Officials Plead Guilty to Corruption Scheme

Strategic Insights -

Charles "Chuck" Wright, Amos Durham, and Lawson B. Watson, former officials of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, have pleaded guilty to participating in a public corruption scheme that defrauded the county of public funds for years. The scheme involved the misuse of the Sheriff's Office Chaplain's Benevolence Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional assistance to officers during times of need. Wright, as sheriff, hired Durham as the Director of the Benevolence Fund, and Durham conspired with Wright to siphon public funds for their private use. Watson, an employee of the Sheriff's Office, fraudulently received a full salary and benefits for work he did not perform. Wright and Watson also obtained controlled substances by misrepresentation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wright pleaded guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of the Information, charges of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation.
  • Wright faces a maximum penalty of 29 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $750,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. He must also pay a special assessment of $300.
  • Durham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.
  • Watson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.
  • The investigation was conducted by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, with assistance from the UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
  • The defendants' actions were described as a "violation of the public's trust" by SLED Chief Mark Keel.

Statistics:

  • Wright faces up to $750,000 in fines and restitution.
  • Durham faces up to $250,000 in fines and restitution.
  • Watson faces up to $250,000 in fines and restitution.
  • The defendants must also pay a special assessment of $300 each.

Sources:

  • U.S. Attorneys General
  • United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
  • FBI Columbia Field Office
  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
  • UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
  • SLED Chief Mark Keel