Sheriff

Honolulu Jury Awards Over $2 Million to Family of Homeless Man Killed by Deputy Sheriff at State Capitol

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Honolulu, Hawaii – A jury in Honolulu awarded over $2 million to the family of a homeless man fatally shot by a deputy sheriff at the state Capitol, a court determined on Friday. The verdict, which concluded deliberations that began on Wednesday, marks a significant moment in the legal ordeal stemming from the 2019 incident. Delmar Espejo, 28, lost his life during a physical altercation with former deputy sheriff Gregory Bergman, which allegedly occurred after Espejo was confronted for possessing alcohol on Capitol premises. The altercation led to Bergman shooting Espejo in the back, igniting … Read more

Family Sues Harnett County Sheriff, Jail Staff After Inmate’s Death in Cell Following Alleged Mismanagement

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Lillington, NC – The family of a deceased Harnett County inmate has initiated legal action against local law enforcement officials, alleging negligence and civil rights violations inside the jail that led to the inmate’s untimely death from a violent cellmate encounter last year. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the late William Earl Surles, who was 64 at the time of his death in December 2022. Surles’ family contends that their patriarch’s death was both unnecessary and avoidable, accusing Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats along with jail deputies and the county’s insurer of failing … Read more

Sheriff Alerts Public to Increasing Jury Duty Phone Scams in the Area

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Accomack, VA — A new scam targeting citizens by exploiting their civic duty sentiments related to jury service has prompted a warning from the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office. Residents in the area have reported receiving suspicious calls from individuals claiming to represent the local sheriff’s department or court system. The callers falsely inform potential victims that they have failed to report for jury duty and as a result, a warrant has been issued for their arrest. To resolve the matter and avoid arrest, the targets are instructed to make immediate payments, often through prepaid debit … Read more

Former Virginia Sheriff Convicted on Multiple Corruption Charges After Six-Day Trial

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Charlottesville, Va. — Former Sheriff Scott Jenkins of Culpeper County was convicted on a slew of charges including conspiracy, fraud, and bribery on Wednesday, following a brief but decisive deliberation period by the jury in federal court. After a trial that spanned six days, deliberations took just two hours before Jenkins was found guilty on all 12 counts against him. The allegations that led to Jenkins’ conviction centered around his purported exchange of law enforcement credentials for more than $75,000. This case highlights issues of corruption within the ranks of those tasked with upholding the … Read more