Jail staff faces discipline
Murphy – Officials are investigating the circumstances that led to an inmate being released from the Cherokee County Detention Center without authorization.
Joshua Charles Hampton, 39, of Murphy, was mistakenly released from jail on Oct. 26 after an inmate named Jerick Hanson posted bail. Upon his release, Hampton fled into a wooded area across the street from the jail.
Officials say an innocent citizen who didn’t know the inmate was an escapee met Hampton near Carrington Street a short time later and drove him to see 26-year-old Courtney Camille Dockery. Police spoke with Dockery that evening, and she reportedly admitted that Hampton visited her home. She told police she took Hampton to Beaverdam and denied knowing his whereabouts.
The next morning, Dockery and Hampton fled the county. However, they didn’t know police had obtained a warrant to track Dockery’s phone. Authorities found the pair in Johnson City, Tenn., around 4 p.m. Oct. 27.
“I stand true to my word,” Chief Deputy Joe Wood of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said, recalling his conversation with Dockery the night before she fled. “[I told her that] if she assisted him, she’s going to jail; and that's exactly what’s going to happen.”
The mistaken release happened one day after Wood established a new Professional Standards Unit to investigate officers accused of misconduct, negligence or dereliction of duty.
“I started the Professional Standards Unit Monday (Oct. 25), and the officer got his first case Tuesday night,” Wood said. “It's something that should have been done a long time ago, but we didn’t have the resources to do it.”
Prior to last week, the chief deputy was responsible for investigating all complaints and allegations involving employees of the sheriff’s office. However, that practice created a conflict of interest when a complaint was made against the chief deputy or sheriff.
As a result, Wood established a unit whose members are granted autonomy when investigating an employee of the sheriff’s office. If the unit is ever tasked with investigating the sheriff, it will answer to a higher authority, such as a state or federal law enforcement agency.
“It's to build community trust and obtain a more clear and fair internal investigation,” Wood said.
As of press time Tuesday, the unit consists of only one deputy, who is also tasked with other duties related to hiring and policy and procedures. When the investigation is complete, the deputy will present his findings to the sheriff.
When asked if the jail staff who mistakenly released Hampton will face disciplinary action, Wood said, “Without a doubt there will be action taken. But I'm going to let the Professional Standards Unit do their job.”
Prior to the escape, Hampton was in custody for failing to appear in court in connection with several felonies and misdemeanors. After being captured, he was charged with obtaining property under false pretense.
“He obtained property under a false pretense through his release,” Wood said. “He played the ruse that he was the guy who was supposed to be released.”
Dockery was charged with felony harboring an escapee and resisting a public officer.