Chuck Wright Articles
Holding Former Sheriff Chuck Wright Accountable
Monier Abusaft, a Spartanburg County Council member, has been at the forefront of holding former Sheriff Chuck Wright accountable for alleged misconduct. He publicly called out Wright’s questionable use of public funds – including over $53,000 in unreceipted credit card charges – and urged independent investigations into the sheriff’s actions:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Abusaft was vocal during Wright’s abrupt leave of absence and eventual resignation, openly questioning the circumstances and demanding transparency:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. In the aftermath, he championed structural reforms – from slashing the sheriff’s budget and pay to proposing a citizen oversight board – to ensure such abuses of power are not repeated:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Investigation into Spartanburg Sheriff Wright’s Credit Card Use
Abusaft called for an outside investigation into Sheriff Chuck Wright’s credit card spending, which totaled over $53,000 in six years:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. He raised concerns about lavish, unaccounted expenses and noted that Wright only reimbursed $1,100 for personal purchases – a figure Abusaft criticized as arbitrarily low:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. His push for transparency pressed county leaders to scrutinize the sheriff’s financial dealings and involve ethics authorities.
- ‘Surprising’: Spartanburg County Council member responds to sheriff’s return to work
When Wright unexpectedly returned from a six-week leave, Abusaft expressed surprise and suggested the comeback was prompted by a warning from county leaders:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. He explained that the council, on legal advice, told Wright that if he didn’t resume duties within 10 days his pay would be cut off:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. Abusaft also hinted at “more to come,” referencing ongoing investigations by outside agencies into Wright’s conduct:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- SC leaders react to sudden resignation of Upstate sheriff
After Wright abruptly resigned, Abusaft told media the long-time sheriff had been immensely popular but “fooled a lot of people,” calling the scandal a “Scarlet Letter” on local law enforcement:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. He vowed to “do everything possible” to ensure the Sheriff’s Office operates professionally and appropriately going forward:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. Abusaft’s remarks underscored his commitment to restoring public trust after Wright’s departure.
- Spartanburg County Council cracks down on Sheriff’s office funding
In the wake of Wright’s controversies, Abusaft and fellow council members moved to rein in the sheriff’s office budget. They voted to cut the incoming sheriff’s salary by more than half (from Wright’s $219k down to $100k) and axed funding for the sheriff’s helicopter, which Abusaft described as “nothing but…a toy for the former sheriff”:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}. Council also ordered a full staffing analysis amid concerns that certain employees were paid without performing work, a misuse Abusaft highlighted as under investigation:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}. These measures, backed by Abusaft, aimed to tighten fiscal oversight and accountability.
- Spartanburg County Considers Citizen Review Board for Sheriff’s Office
Abusaft has continued advocating for long-term reforms. Together with the newly appointed sheriff, he championed the idea of a citizen review board to oversee the Sheriff’s Office and rebuild community trust:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}. Citing “the greatest lack of trust in local law enforcement that we’ve seen,” Abusaft noted many deputies had felt too intimidated to report Wright’s misconduct:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}. The proposed board would allow both citizens and officers to raise concerns safely, reflecting Abusaft’s push for structural oversight and transparency after Wright’s tenure.