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

For more details about the federal charges, click here

The maximum penalty is nearly 30 years. He also will have to pay at least $440,000 in restitution. A date for Wright to be sentenced has not been announced.

Below you will find the full statement released after court on Thursday:

"Today, I pleaded guilty in federal court because I am guilty. Not only did I violate the law, but I also broke th

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