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Mecklenburg County sheriff endorses jail support effort but wants changes

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden held a news conference Monday after another clash between deputies and jail support volunteers.

He said he is frustrated by some of the actions he claims have happened over the past three to four weeks.

McFadden claims Jail Support volunteers recently interfered with a domestic violence arrest.

"Deputy was attempting to arrest a man for assault on a female and members of jail support came across the street to confront him," he said. "The young lady ran away. The man ran away."

Jail support formed in response to the George Floyd protests in Charlotte. The group, which is supported by Charlotte Uprising, provides meals, clothes, bus passes and other items to recently released inmates.

Last month, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 people after volunteers refused to vacate the area in front of the jail. The sheriff ordered the setup to be taken down after he said deputies and visitors to the facility were being harassed.

[Deputies make 43 arrests outside of Meck County Jail after harassment complaints]

Despite those actions by law enforcement, the sheriff said the group's mission is admirable and he supports them helping people transition out of the jail and back into society

“We’ve been dealing for this for several weeks,” McFadden said. “Let me make it clear. No one should ever doubt me for my stance in this community. I am for the concept of jail support.”

Jail support volunteer Kristie Puckett Williams describes it as an essential service. She hopes McFadden and jail support can come to an understanding.

“Jail Support exists to close the gaps between when someone is released and until when they are able to access resources in the normal cycle,” she said. “I am hopeful we will be able to provide this service uninterrupted. I am hopeful we will be able to come to some sort of agreement.”

McFadden said he is willing to meet with the group.

“I support people reentering our community, I always will,” he said. “I always have, and I always will.”