Personal Injury Attorney in Spartanburg, SC

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Multiple sources have confirmed to FOX Carolina there is an active FBI probe into Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright.

On Tuesday, April 1, officials announced Sheriff Wright was taking a leave of absence.

Officials did not provide any details as to why the sheriff is taking time off. They did say the sheriff’s office will continue to operate as usual and the sheriff’s authority will be assumed by a chief deputy.

“We are aware that the Sheriff has taken a leave of absence; however, we do not have any additional information at this time and it would be inappropriate for us to speculate. With that being said, Spartanburg County residents can rest assured that our sheriff’s office will continue to operate as usual, providing quality service to our citizens.”

Spartanburg County spokesperson

FOX Carolina spoke with Spartanburg County councilman David Britt, who has worked with the sheriff for more than two decades.

“Let’s give the authorities time to do their work and things will come, you know, once things, once the process is complete, I think everybody will understand and know what’s going on,” said Britt. “Let’s just give it some time to work its way through.”

On Wednesday, a source confirmed to FOX Carolina they were interviewed by FBI agents regarding nepotism in the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and alleged misuse of government funds by the sheriff.

Community Manager Scottie Blackwell confirmed Sheriff Wright paid more than $1,000 back to the county last year. Blackwell said officials requested a breakdown of that payment last November, but so far she says the county has never received a detailed response from the sheriff.

FOX Carolina asked Sheriff Wright about the questionable transactions in January 2025.

“I would like to say that I don’t want to give any information out until the inquiry is over. I think that’s the correct way to handle it because anytime we do in investigation,” said Sheriff Wright. “We never comment on it except bits and pieces. Those bits and pieces have been reported by the Post and Courier. So, we’ll wait and see how it works out”

On Monday, April 7, Governor Henry McMaster was asked about Sheriff Wright’s leave of absence. Gov. McMaster said he’s known the sheriff for years and all he knows is that the sheriff is taking a leave of absence.

Sheriff Wright was recently investigated by the South Carolina State Ethics Commission. The investigation involved allegations of nepotism after his son was hired at the sheriff’s office.

He was also recently sued by a former lieutenant for defamation.

The FBI told FOX Carolina they are not able to provide comments on the potential existence of an FBI investigation.

Sheriff Wright became a deputy in 1986 and was elected as sheriff in 2004.

Stay with FOX Carolina as we work to learn more details.

Copyright 2025 WHNS. All rights reserved.

Peter Navarro, President Trump’s top tariff advisor, has set his sights on BMW’s vast production complex in Spartanburg, South Carolina, calling it a “scam.” BMW isn’t just taking it on the chin as they’ve fired back, emphasizing the crucial role their US operations play in their global network. State officials, too, have rallied to the company’s side, stressing that BMW’s presence has been a boon for the local economy.

Just a few days ago, Navarro made headlines when he described Tesla as a “car assembler,” rather than a car manufacturer, in defending the administration’s strong support for robust tariffs. He later singled out BMW’s local operations, claiming that only Germany gets the good jobs, while the US is stuck with lower-value jobs.

Read: BMW Is America’s Top Vehicle Exporter By Value

“You take automobiles, what we’re doing now is a scam—like BMW comes to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and all we do is assemble German transmissions and autos,” he said. “They get all the good jobs. They get all the good profits, and we get stuck with a hindsight.”

That drew the ire of BMW. In a fiery press release shortly after Navarro’s comments came to light, BMW said it has invested more than $14.8 billion into its Spartanburg plant since 1992 and currently employs 11,000 people at the site. Approximately 1,500 vehicles are built at the facility every day, using parts sourced from hundreds of suppliers across the United States.

“The plant in Spartanburg has been an important location in our global BMW Group production network for over 30 years,” the brand continued. “It is also our largest plant worldwide, serving domestic and international markets with the highly acclaimed BMW X models. In 2024, the plant exported approximately 225,000 BMWs, with an export value exceeding $10 billion, making it the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States.”

The vehicles built at Spartanburg include the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM models. BMW estimates that the plant contributes a staggering $26.7 billion to South Carolina’s economy and supports about 43,000 jobs, with $3.1 billion in wages and salaries.

BMW’s Strategic US Presence

Not stopping there, BMW is considering ways to expand production at the Spartanburg site. In a recent analyst call, company executives revealed they are looking into adding shifts to the plant, potentially boosting production by up to 80,000 units, according to Yahoo! Finance.

“BMW has been in South Carolina for over 30 years and has proven to be one of the best corporate citizens in our state,” Senator Lindsey Graham added. “Their presence is a major benefit to the South Carolina economy, and it is much appreciated.”

South Carolina Senator Karl Allen also came to BMW’s defense, stating, “Mr. Navarro’s characterization of BMW’s business model as detrimental to the U.S. economy and national security is not only unfounded but also overlooks the substantial benefits that BMW has brought to our state and nation.”

After attracting some dubious criticism regarding its US-based production, BMW fired back with some cold, rational stats that solidified its reputation as an exporter and manufacturer. But apparently, the automaker wasn’t content to stop there. Perhaps fueled by indignation—but more likely demand and forecasting—BMW is mulling over the addition of shifts at its Spartanburg plant. Apparently, the boosted productivity could result in up to 80,000 additional units entering production.

Reportedly, BMW’s US inventory is sitting around a month’s days supply. A primary benefit of the production increase is price protection. A ramp up ensures models that are made in the US—mostly X models, like the X3 and X5—retain current pricing until at least the end of May. Associated parts will feel the benefit, too. It’s just one creative way the automaker can work around the Trump administration tariffs that may otherwise severely impact customer pricing both US and abroad.

It’s also important to note that a portion of these 80,000 units would also be leaving the country. After all, Spartanburg, SC, is responsible for global SUV production. In fact, BMW is the largest vehicle exporter in the country by value, exporting over $10 billion in vehicles just last year. The fact that Plant Spartanburg is located in a free-trade zone helps alleviate stress from both US tariffs and tariffs in other countries.

Otherwise, costs would be mounting even quicker as a trade war continues to rage. A free-trade zone, or FTZ, acts as a holding area for imported goods to be re-exported. Here, goods are allowed to be repackaged and exported without the heavy tariffs associated with normal imports and exports. In BMW’s case, that primarily impacts components from Austria, like engines. Spartanburg, South Carolina, is the second largest FTZ in the nation as of 2024.

BMW looks forward to a year that could be full of constant pressure. So, it makes sense for the automaker to explore every possible avenue. A global, trade-heavy economy is perhaps more critical to BMW than any other automaker. After all, it has exported over $100 billion of product just in the last decade. Despite some misguided comments surrounding their Spartanburg manufacturing, it’s clear that BMW brings a lot of value to the US at large and South Carolina specifically, and has no intention of shaking things up if it can avoid it.

Source: Reuters

With a new nonstop flight on Breeze Airways launching on May 1 from Pittsburgh to Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, there’s never been a better time to explore this charming Southern destination. If you don’t know about the region’s natural beauty, rich history and enviable culinary scene, here are some places to add to your itinerary.

Fresh Air and Stunning Views

The heartbeat of downtown Greenville is Falls Park, an urban oasis where lush gardens surround a cascading waterfall. Don’t miss the Liberty Bridge, a unique suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the falls – perfect to snap a quick selfie.

Nature lovers can find serenity and native plants at the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve in Spartanburg, a 13-acre botanic garden with free admission.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a must. This 28-mile trail connects Greenville to the small town of Travelers Rest. Whether you’re biking, jogging or simply taking a leisurely walk, the trail offers scenic views with plenty of refreshment stops.

Culture, Sports and History

Art and history lovers will find plenty to explore in Greenville-Spartanburg. Dive into contemporary creativity at the Spartanburg Art Museum, featuring exhibits from both regional and international artists. Admission is free.

For a step back in time, visit the Hub City Railroad Museum in Spartanburg to learn about the city’s storied past as a regional transportation hub. The former Southern Railways Depot also showcases the history of Spartanburg’s two major industries, textiles and peaches. Admission is free.

Need to get your sports fix? Catch a baseball game at Fluor Field, home of a Boston Red Sox minor league affiliate, the Greenville Drive. Grab a seat and enjoy some classic Southern fare at Que’s BBQ right behind home plate.

Greenville-Spartanburg is also a convenient gateway to South Carolina’s Clemson University, a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which the University of Pittsburgh joined in 2011.

Culinary Highlights

The Greenville-Spartanburg area is a foodie’s dream, boasting a mix of flavors and ingredients influenced by Southern cuisine.

In Spartanburg, Cribbs Kitchen is a favorite for its inventive menu – the burgers and salads are standouts.

For a more classic Southern experience, head to The Peddler Steak House, a local institution that’s been around for over half a century. It’s known for perfectly cooked steaks – but don’t take our word for it, that’s according to Food Network star and Greenville native Tyler Florence.

Plan Your Adventure

New nonstop service on Breeze Airways to Greenville-Spartanburg begins on May 1 and is offered on Thursdays and Sundays through August. Book your ticket, pack your bags, and get ready to discover why the region is a growing tourism hotspot with over 500,000 trips there between July 2023 and June 2024, according to data from VisitGreenvilleSC.

BMW Manufacturing Co. in South Carolina has issued a firm statement to recent comments made by White House Senior Trade Advisor Peter Navarro, who questioned BMW’s business model in the United States during an interview on CNBC. Citing BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, Navarro described current foreign automaker operations in the U.S. as “a scam,” suggesting American workers are left with “hindsight” jobs while profits and high-value manufacturing remain overseas.

“You take automobiles, what we’re doing now is a scam—like BMW comes to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and all we do is assemble German transmissions and autos, “Navarro said. “They get all the good jobs. They get all the good profits, and we get stuck with a hindsight.”

BMW, which has faced criticism from President Donald Trump in the past, wasted no time in defending its legacy, footprint, and economic impact in the United States. The automaker pointed to its deep investment in American manufacturing, particularly in Spartanburg—its largest production plant in the world.

In a detailed statement, BMW outlined the scale and scope of its Spartanburg operations. The plant spans over eight million square feet and includes three body shops, two paint shops, two assembly halls, and a metal stamping facility. Since its opening in 1992, BMW has invested more than $14.8 billion into the facility, which now employs over 11,000 associates. The workforce builds 1,500 vehicles daily—roughly 400,000 per year—with parts sourced from hundreds of U.S. suppliers.

BMW also emphasized its role as a leader in U.S. automotive exports. In 2024 alone, the Spartanburg plant exported approximately 225,000 vehicles valued at over $10 billion, maintaining its title as the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value. Since 2014, the plant has shipped more than 2.7 million vehicles abroad, with total export value exceeding $104 billion.

“Plant Spartanburg is not just an assembly plant,” a company spokesperson said. “It is a cornerstone of our global production network and a major driver of economic growth in the United States. We export more vehicles from the U.S. than we import into the country.” BMW manufactures the X3, X3 M, X4, X4 M, X5, X5 M, X6, X6 M, X7 and XM vehicles in Spartanburg.

Beyond production numbers, BMW highlighted the broader ripple effect of its presence in South Carolina. The plant contributes a total economic impact of $26.7 billion to the state economy and supports nearly 43,000 jobs, generating $3.1 billion in wages and salaries. These figures stand in stark contrast to Navarro’s implication that the plant does little for American workers.

South Carolina’s political and business leadership swiftly rallied behind BMW in the wake of Navarro’s remarks. “BMW has been in South Carolina for over 30 years and has proven to be one of the best corporate citizens in our state,” said Senator Lindsey Graham on X. “Their presence is a major benefit to the South Carolina economy, and it is much appreciated.”

Congressman William Timmons echoed that support: “I can assure you that BMW is good for South Carolina and good for America.”

BMW also used the opportunity to reaffirm its support for free trade and international cooperation. The company urged the U.S. and EU to reach a transatlantic agreement that eliminates trade barriers and fosters mutual growth. “Free trade and international cooperation are of immense importance worldwide, serving as key drivers of growth and progress,” the company stated. “They have always been a guiding principle of the BMW Group.”

[Source: WSPA]