In a public acknowledgment of a regrettable error, Sheriff Chuck Wright held a press conference on Tuesday 13th February 2024 to address a misidentification made by his agency during a recent drug roundup. The announcement came after deputies erroneously charged Olin Christopher Rhodes II with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
"I owe a man a sincere apology because we made a mistake," Sheriff Wright stated during the conference, expressing remorse for the wrongful accusation.
The incident unfolded on January 7, when deputies released the names of over two dozen individuals arrested in a narcotics bust. Among those named was Olin Christopher Rhodes II, falsely implicated in the drug-related charges. Despite his innocence, Rhodes voluntarily turned himself in, facing unjust consequences, including termination from his position with the City of Mauldin.
"This is a man that did nothing wrong," Sheriff Wright emphasized, holding up a photo of Rhodes to highlight the grave error.
However, Sheriff Wright conveyed that the City of Mauldin officials displayed understanding upon learning of the mistaken identity and promptly reinstated Rhodes to his job. Moreover, he pledged to assist Rhodes in reclaiming any financial losses incurred during his wrongful absence from work, demonstrating a commitment to rectifying the unjust repercussions of the error.