Mecklenburg County Sheriff Challenges State Reports Amid Jail Inspection Failures and Inmate Deaths

Following a WBTV investigation into the Mecklenburg County Jail's failure to meet state safety standards and the occurrence of nine inmate deaths within two years, Sheriff Garry McFadden disputes the accuracy of state inspection reports. McFadden criticizes the methodology used by state inspectors for jail officer surveillance rounds, asserting that his approach more closely adheres to state law requirements. Despite these claims, McFadden has not addressed other allegations of medical negligence highlighted by the investigation.

Sheriff Questions State Inspection Accuracy

McFadden's response to the WBTV investigation came in the form of a letter to the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, where he outlined discrepancies between the jail's practices and the state's portrayal of jail officer safety checks. He emphasized that the jail's methodology for conducting surveillance rounds is in better compliance with state law than the method used by inspectors from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). However, DHHS spokespeople were not immediately available for comment on these allegations.

Allegations of Medical Negligence

The WBTV investigation also brought to light allegations of medical negligence, including a lawsuit over the 2022 death of inmate Tommy Hucks, which accuses the jail of failing to provide timely medical assistance. McFadden, however, did not directly address these claims in his response. The lawsuit alleges that jail officers ignored Hucks' calls for urgent medical help, highlighting a critical need for improvements in inmate healthcare and oversight.

National Accreditations and Awards Highlighted

In defense of the jail's practices, McFadden pointed to its national accreditations and the Triple Crown Award as evidence of its compliance with rigorous safety and wellness standards. These recognitions are meant to reassure the public of the jail's commitment to maintaining a high level of care and supervision, despite the recent scrutiny from failed inspections and inmate deaths.

The ongoing dispute between the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and state inspectors raises important questions about the standards and methodologies used to ensure inmate safety and well-being. As the community seeks answers and accountability, the focus remains on improving conditions within the jail to prevent future incidents of negligence and harm.