HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — Three former detention officers at the Harnett County Detention Center have been arrested and charged following an investigation into allegations of excessive force against an inmate late last year.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the probe began on January 2, 2026, at the request of the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. The investigation centered on incidents that allegedly occurred on December 27 and December 30, 2025.
Sheriff Wayne Coats said he was notified of the incident on January 2 and immediately contacted District Attorney Suzanne Matthews, requested an independent SBI investigation, and launched an internal review through the county’s Office of Professional Standards. The detention staff involved were placed on administrative leave while the investigations were conducted…