Former Stanly Co. deputy may not go to jail after guilty plea of taking photos of young girl

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By Liz Foster

STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — Roddy Tomberlin may not have to spend any time in jail if he completes 18 months of supervised probation.

Tomberlin, who was captain at the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, pleaded guilty to taking inappropriate photos of a young girl.

The district attorney told the court that Tomberlin's wife found pictures of a teenage girl in her underwear on a home computer last December, and went to his co-workers who are investigators at the sheriff's office.

The sheriff immediately requested the SBI to investigate.

The state’s computer crimes unit took over and when questioned by a state agent, Tomberlin admitted to sticking his cell phone under a door and taking pictures of a teenage girl.

Channel 9 found out that Tomberlin had a 21-year career in law enforcement that included working as a school resource officer, a patrol deputy and detective.

In addition to working his way up the ranks at the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, Tomberlin also worked with Mint Hill Police and as an officer at the Charlotte airport.

Tomberlin has since resigned from the Stanly County Sherriff's Office.

“It was surprising in light of who was charged,” said Stanly County District Attorney Lynn Clodfelter. “I've known Mr. Tomberlin in his role in law enforcement and I was very surprised, as was I think, everyone involved with his office, in law enforcement, the district attorney's office as well."

Channel 9 anchor Liz Foster asked Tomberlin’s attorney, Charles Parnell, if Tomberlin has any remorse for his actions.

“Sure. He obviously made a mistake by doing what was done,” Parnell said.

In addition to probation, Tomberlin is required to get a mental health assessment, do community service and have no contact with the victim.

But Tomberlin will not have to register as a sex offender. That's because the judge said he has no prior criminal history and is not a danger to others.

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