Meck County sheriff to speak about issues surrounding jail support group

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County commissioners plan to take a hard look at a group that says it is trying to help inmates at the jail.

But, Sheriff Garry McFadden says the Jail Support group is doing more harm than good.

McFadden will give a presentation to the county commissioners Tuesday night. It includes several photos of damage he says the group caused such as the ripped “Black Lives Matter” sign, red paint splashed on the jail windows, human waste and flyers reading “This Jail Kills.”

There’s also a list of other complaints including blocking traffic on 4th Street, setting up camp on county property, daily harassment toward visitors and staff and leaving trash at the public handicap ramp.

The sheriff’s office said they have had more than 40 incidents connected to the group.

McFadden said he has tried to address the group on several occasions, but they have told him there is no one in charge to talk to.

He also pointed to a protest on June 18, saying it was a failed attempt to address the group that resulted in 43 arrests.

Channel 9 was there for another protest on July 20, where McFadden said a deputy tried to arrest a man for assaulting a woman. But when Jail Support confronted that deputy, the man and woman ran away.

Deputies make 43 arrests outside of Meck County jail after harassment complaints Deputies make 43 arrests outside of Meck County jail after harassment complaints

McFadden said the group’s mission is admirable and the sheriff’s office also tries to help inmates transition back into society by giving them business clothes and personal hygiene items.

He said many inmates don’t rely on the Jail Support group.

Members from Charlotte Uprising said they are being unfairly targeted. They’ve been camping outside the jail for months since the protests of George Floyd’s death.

“A lot of that, I think, a lot of that is being unfairly pinned on Jail Support specifically because of our proximity to the jail and to the sheriff’s office where we are set up, specifically to help people who are being released,” Charlotte Uprising volunteer Courtney Miller said.

Both sides said they have tried to reach out to the other party with no luck.

Cox Media Group