Full Notification

Recently, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of allegations of the mishandling of an individual in the custody of the Rutherford County Detention Center. 

Sheriff Ellenburg believes any allegation involving treatment which rises to a level of concern, whether unintentional or otherwise by any member of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is a serious matter. 

An internal investigation is already underway to explore any violation of the policies and procedures of the Rutherford County Detention Center. 

In the interest of full transparency, the Sheriff is also looking forward to working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in order to leverage their expertise as an impartial outside agency to investigate any potential violations.

At this time, we are in the early stages of this investigation. 

As a matter of policy, the Sheriff’s Office will not release additional information while the investigation continues.

Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg is fully committed to transparency and integrity as the foundation for all law enforcement. We are grateful and mindful of the public’s trust in this Sheriff’s Office and will make all relevant facts known as soon as possible.