SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. —

Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright released a statement after pleading guilty to federal charges, saying, "I pleaded guilty in federal court because I am guilty."

Wright remained silent as he walked out of the federal courthouse in Anderson, Thursday morning.

"[Thursday] was a significant day," said Walt Wilkins, a former U.S. attorney and 13th Circuit solicitor. "Former Sheriff Chuck Wright is now a convicted felon. He came into court. He accepted his responsibility, and he pled guilty to all the allegations that were alleged in the information."

Wright pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds; conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and obtaining controlled substances through misrepresentation.

"What tha

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