The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been asked to launch an investigation into Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden after a petition for his removal was recently submitted to the county’s district attorney.
“On the evening of Sunday, January 4th, I was made aware of the intention of five qualified Mecklenburg County electors to submit a petition for the Removal of Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden on a number of grounds, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 128-16,” Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather said in a release.
A letter submitted to the SBI on Jan. 5 by Merriweather said the petition calls for McFadden to be removed on the grounds of “willful or habitual neglect or refusal to perform the duties of his office,” “willful misconduct or maladministration in office,” “corruption,” and “extortion.”
The petition also alleges several crimes against McFadden, according to the letter, including state campaign finance violations, Hatch Act violations, extortion and bribery, economic threats made to influence legislation. The district attorney has also asked that these allegations be included in the investigation.
While the approval of such petitions has rarely ever been granted, according to Merriweather, the district attorney said, “Nevertheless, our removal statute creates obligations for the District Attorney (or the County Attorney, if he so chooses) to exercise due diligence in the wake of such a petition. In this Office, a substantive review of any allegations will typically come only after a state or local law enforcement agency has had an opportunity to investigate any reported claims.”
“Accordingly, before an approval determination comes from this Office, I will, in my discretion, request that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) investigate each allegation and report its findings to my office directly. As with any inquiry, a request for an investigation is not itself a confirmation of the existence of wrongdoing.”
Spectrum News 1 reached out to the sheriff for an interview but was denied, saying, “I can’t discuss this matter and plan to move forward with day to day business.”
The investigation request comes as McFadden and other city and county leaders have been asked to testify before the state’s House Oversight Committee on Jan. 22.
A letter from committee co-chairs Rep. Jake Johnson, Rep. Brenden Jones and Rep. Harry Warren said the sheriff and others are expected to speak about their office’s roles in “ensuring public safety throughout the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, including the Charlotte Area Transit System.”
The letter also said strategic plans like spending and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives will also be discussed.
McFadden responded to the request to testify by saying in part, “I respect the oversight process and welcome the opportunity to testify. I have nothing to hide.
“Unlike municipal police departments and most other sheriff’s offices across the state, MCSO does not answer calls for service. Our responsibilities are focused on operating the county jail system, courthouse security, civil processes, and detention-related duties. That distinction matters when evaluating policies, resources, and accountability. I will ensure that state lawmakers receive accurate and credible information.
”The MCSO remains committed to transparency, accountability, and working collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners in the interest of public safety and good governance.”
City and county leaders have come under intense scrutiny as safety concerns mounted following the deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail in August of last year, and then another stabbing on the light rail in December.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant, Interim CEO of CATS Brent Cagel and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson are also among those asked to testify before the committee.
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Justin Pryor
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