Grand Jury Set To Convene In Probe Of S.C. Sheriff Chuck Wright

A federal grand jury is expected to begin hearing testimony and reviewing evidence this week in connection with an ongoing investigation into Spartanburg County Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Wright, according to attorneys and law enforcement officers familiar with the joint state-federal probe.

The panel—convening in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina—is expected to hear from at least three witnesses: two individuals with law enforcement backgrounds and the federal case agent overseeing the matter, according to multiple sources.

While the nature of the testimony remains unclear, Wright—a four-term sheriff embroiled in a succession of scandals—announced an indefinite leave of absence earlier this month amid swirling allegations of opioid abuse and nepotism spanning at least a decade.

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While no indictments are expected this week, the convening of the grand jury marks a significant escalation in the joint investigation—led by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Federal grand juries may be used to seek a straightforward indictment or to conduct a broader investigation by gathering witness testimony and additional materials. The inclusion of multiple witnesses, according to several sources, suggests this one may fall into the latter category.

“It depends on how they’re treating this grand jury,” a source told FITSNews. “If it’s investigative, it could take time. The feds don’t swing for the fences unless they’re sure.”

Wright’s leave of absence—ostensibly for rehab—was confirmed by the county via email after April Fools’ Day 2025. However, according to multiple sources familiar with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the longtime sheriff may not have checked in as scheduled.

“As of last week, he was not in rehab—perhaps waiting to be admitted,” a county employee told us. “An [SCSO] deputy went by his house just to check on him, and he was home… they spoke briefly.”

In the same time frame, several posts previously visible on Wright’s personal Facebook page appear to have been deleted or restricted—including photos of the sheriff alongside U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Wright’s son, Jared “Andy” Wright—who was hired into a position at SCSO despite a short and controversial stint in law enforcement— appears to have disabled his Facebook account entirely. His nepotistic hire remains the subject of a formal investigation by the S.C. State Ethics Commission (SCSEC).

Notably, Wright publicly defended Trump following the president’s 2024 primary win in South Carolina, specifically regarding criminal charges the Republican frontrunner was facing at the time.

“As a man of the law, I’d have never brought one of these charges against [Trump],” Wright told FOX Carolina at the time. “We operate on facts and we operate on things—it’s called evidence. I think some of these people really need to figure out what that word means.”

That statement took on new weight in the months that followed, as Wright’s own legal vulnerability came into sharper focus.

Before announcing his departure, Wright was seen meeting privately with former federal prosecutor and Fox News personality Trey Gowdy — a longtime Trump ally. The two reportedly sat in a parked truck outside SCSO for nearly two hours — fueling speculation about the extent of the sheriff’s potential criminal exposure.

If the 60-year-old is ultimately indicted, he would be immediately suspended from office pending the disposition of the charges by S.C. Governor Henry McMaster, as is required under state law.

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RELATED|FEDERAL GRAND JURY TO CONVENE PROBE OF UPSTATE SHERIFF

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When asked about Wright during an unrelated press conference last week—days after FITSNewsfirst reported on the impending grand jury proceedings—McMaster struck a notably supportive tone for his scandal-scarred ally.

“I’ve known Chuck Wright for years,” McMaster said. “I’ve always known him to be a very responsible, good sheriff. I understand he has taken leave, and that’s all I know about him.”

As previously and exclusively reported by FITSNews, sources familiar with the probe say the case may no longer center solely on Wright. Allegations involving deputies—some potentially tied to the sheriff’s alleged drug use—have reportedly drawn interest from investigators.

“It does seem to have gotten much bigger when you’re talking about, you know, deputies who are giving or selling drugs to their own sheriff,” one source added.

For some of Wright’s former allies, his fall from grace has left him barely recognizable.

“He’s not the man we helped get elected in 2004,” a former SCSO deputy said. “I saw things that could get him criminally charged… The power went to his head, the money went to his head—and he forgot about his department. You don’t hide behind God.”

Neither Wright, Gowdy nor SCSO have responded to multiple requests for comment.

This story may be updated.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Andrew Fancher is a Lone Star Emmy award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. Cut from a bloodline of outlaws and lawmen alike, he was the first of his family to graduate college which was accomplished with honors. Got a story idea or news tip for Andy? Email him directly and connect with him socially across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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