Stanly County Sheriff's Office

Promotions at the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the recent promotions within its command staff. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, specialized training, and a deep commitment to serving the citizens of Stanly County.

Captain Ronnie Hatley
Captain Ronnie Hatley has been promoted to a leadership role in the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, bringing extensive experience to the command staff. Since completing Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in 2005, Captain Hatley’s dedicated service has covered a wide range of duties.

His career progression includes service as a Bailiff, moving into Patrol, and then assuming supervisory and investigative roles. Captain Hatley has served as a Patrol Sergeant, a Detective for the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), a CID Sergeant, and a CID Lieutenant, culminating in his current promotion to Captain. Furthermore, Captain Hatley is a highly trained member of the SWAT Team and a certified Sniper.

Captain Hatley's comprehensive background across judicial, operational, and investigative units makes him a vital asset to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office leadership team.

Lieutenant Trent Middlebrook
Lieutenant Middlebrook steps into his new role within the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, bringing over a decade of law enforcement experience to the command staff. Since January 2013, Lieutenant Middlebrook has cultivated disciplined leadership and investigative expertise, including prior service with the Locust Police Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, before his tenure in Stanly County’s Special Operations Group and the Narcotics Unit.

As a proven investigator, Lieutenant Middlebrook has been integral in managing high-stakes criminal investigations spanning homicides, narcotics trafficking, fi****ms violations, domestic violence, and financial crimes. His deep operational knowledge, especially concerning search and seizure laws, ensures procedural excellence.

Lieutenant Middlebrook's professional foundation is strengthened by over 2500 hours of specialized training. His established track record and dedication to public safety make him a valuable addition to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office leadership team.

Over the last two weekends some of our deputies were out at our local Dunkin for their Dunkin Icon campaign,raising money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Thank you to our Stanly County community for donating!"

Thank you to Stanly County Schools and Special Olympics Stanly County for allowing us the honor of carrying the torch of hope, to kick off this year's Special Olympics Spring Games. It was a privilege to be there and cheer on our amazing Stanly County athletes, they are true superstars!"

Lieutenant Smith successfully graduated from the Jail Administrators' Institute of Leadership

We are incredibly proud to announce that Lieutenant Smith of the Stanly County Sheriff's Office has successfully graduated from the prestigious Jail Administrators' Institute of Leadership, hosted by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association (NCSA)!

Lt. Smith oversees operations at the Stanly County Detention Center. This rigorous training equips correctional leaders with advanced skills in management, ethical leadership, and contemporary correctional practices.

Sheriff Jeff Crisco shared, "Lieutenant Smith's graduation reflects her dedication to excellence and will enhance the professionalism and efficiency of our facility. We are extremely proud of her achievement."

Stanly County Sheriff's Office would like to thank all of the participants that took part in the Polar Plunge, Silent Auction and Car Show. This annual event supports the Special Olympics and the athletes. Thank you again to all who made this possible.

Join our Stanly County law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes, on May 11th for our Stanly County Law Enforcement Torch Run. It will be a 5k run to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics NC. We will meet at the Albemarle Police Department at 7 a.m. and start the run at 8 a.m. The only requirement is a donation of $25 for the Torch Run Shirt, which we will have on hand. If you would like to just donate visit, https:give.specialolympicsnc.com/StanlyCountySheriffsOffice

Basketball Coach Sentenced in Indecent Liberty with a Minor Charges

Beginning in early 2024, the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Anson County Sheriff's Office, began investigating former AAU basketball coach, Jamoszio Burch, for multiple s*xual assaults of minors across several jurisdictions.

On March 31, 2026 Burch pled guilty to two counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor in Stanly County Superior Court. Burch was sentenced to an active prison term of 13 – 25 months which will run concurrently with an active prison sentence of 180–276 months that Burch received in Anson County Superior Court the week prior.

Sheriff Crisco hopes these sentences provide some form of justice for the victims and their families.

"The Stanly County Sheriff's Office will continue to hold child victims as one of its highest priorities. I am grateful for the strong relationship and consistent collaboration we have with the Stanly County District Attorney's Office." - Sheriff Crisco

Stanly County Sheriff's Office Detention Center: Ankle Monitor Scam Alert

URGENT WARNING: Imposter Scams Targeting Families of Incarcerated Individuals
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) Detention Center is issuing an urgent warning to the public about a prevalent scam targeting the families and friends of individuals currently or previously incarcerated. Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers, jail officials, or staff from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) and attempting to extort money. These criminals typically contact victims by phone and use high-pressure tactics and urgency. They falsely claim that a loved one can be granted an "early release" or secure a release date by immediately paying a fee for an "ankle monitor" or "electronic monitoring device."

This is a fraudulent scheme.
Key Facts You Need to Know

No Legitimate Agency Demands Payment Over the Phone: No SCSO Detention Center official, Deputy, or NCDAC representative will ever contact you and demand immediate payment via phone, gift cards, wire transfer, or digital payment apps (like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle) for the release of an inmate or for monitoring device fees.

Electronic Monitoring Procedures: Legitimate electronic monitoring and release procedures are handled through the court system or NCDAC probation/parole, not through unsolicited phone calls demanding payment.

Do Not Pay: If you receive a call demanding payment for an inmate's release or an ankle monitor, DO NOT PAY. It is a scam designed to steal your money.

What to Do If You Are Targeted

Hang Up Immediately: Do not engage the caller.

Verify Information: If you are concerned about a loved one's status, call the Stanly County Detention Center's main, non-emergency line directly at [Insert Detention Center's Main Phone Number Here] or the NCDAC at their official contact numbers. Do not use a number provided by the suspicious caller.

Report the Scam: Contact the Stanly County Sheriff's Office at [Insert SCSO Non-Emergency Number Here] to report the attempted fraud. Providing details about the call can help us track and warn the community about these criminal activities.


The Stanly County Sheriff's Office is committed to protecting our community and encourages everyone to share this warning. Stay vigilant and remember: If a caller demands immediate payment for an inmate's release or monitoring equipment, it is a scam.

Stanly County Sheriff's Office is Looking for a Special Victims Investigator

Special Victims Investigator Job Opening
Department: Stanly County Sheriff’s OfficeDivision: Criminal Investigations Division (CID)


Position Summary
The Special Victims Investigator is a sworn deputy assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, able to work general criminal investigations if needed, but whose primary focus shall be on s*xual offenses, crimes involving physical, s*xual, or neglect-related harm against children, domestic violence, and other associated crimes within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office.
This position requires advanced investigative skills, a victim-centered approach, and close coordination with Patrol Deputies, School Resource Officers, Detention staff, prosecutors, forensic professionals, child advocacy centers, and partner agencies. The Investigator handles highly sensitive cases requiring discretion, professionalism, and strict adherence to legal and evidentiary standards.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive investigations of adult and child s*xual assault, child abuse/neglect, exploitation, and related felony offenses

Respond to crime scenes to collect, preserve, and document physical and digital evidence

Conduct interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects

Prepare and execute search warrants, arrest warrants, and related legal documents

Analyze digital evidence in coordination with forensic specialists

Prepare detailed case files and investigative reports

Present cases to the District Attorney and assist with prosecution preparation

Testify in court proceedings, hearings, and grand jury sessions

Coordinate with Child Protective Services, medical providers, forensic examiners, victim advocates, and Child Advocacy Centers

Work closely with the Patrol Division on case follow-ups and investigative leads

Provide guidance and support to deputies on s*x assault-related calls for service

Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with Sheriff’s Office policies and state/federal laws

Participate in specialized training related to s*xual assault investigations and crimes against children




Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of criminal law, search and seizure laws, and rules of evidence

Knowledge of Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and chain-of-command structure

Skilled in conducting interviews and interrogations in sensitive investigations

Ability to analyze complex investigative information and digital evidence

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to handle emotionally charged and graphic material professionally

Ability to work independently while maintaining effective coordination within the Sheriff’s Office structure

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact compassionately with victims




Minimum Qualifications

Sworn Deputy Sheriff in good standing

Certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of North Carolina

Minimum of 5 years of patrol or investigative experience

Successful completion of the background investigation and internal review process

Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior investigative experience within the Criminal Investigation Division

Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina MDT training

Sexual Assault related training courses




Physical Requirements

Ability to perform all essential functions of a sworn Deputy Sheriff

Ability to respond to crime scenes and conduct field investigations

Ability to operate a patrol vehicle and law enforcement equipment

Ability to review detailed documents and digital evidence




Work Environment
Work is performed in office, courtroom, and field environments, including crime scenes, hospitals, schools, and detention facilities. The position may require after-hours response, on-call rotation, and exposure to sensitive and graphic evidence.

A high degree of integrity, discretion, and emotional resilience is required for this position. Apply today if you believe you are the right fit!

If you are interested in applying for the position, please send a letter of interest to [email protected].

The Stanly County Sheriff’s office would like to congratulate Darrell Stilwell for his recent promotion to Sergeant at the Stanly County Ralph McSwain Dentention Center.

On February 26, 2026, deputies with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services Division responded to an animal complaint near the intersection of NC 73 and Austin Road.

Upon arrival, deputies located the animal referenced in the complaint and made contact with the owners. While at the residence, deputies recognized the property from previous calls for service. During the investigation, they observed conditions that raised concerns about the welfare of additional animals on the property.

As a result of the investigation, 23 dogs were removed from the residence to ensure their safety and well-being. The owners were charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and failure to vaccinate.

The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the welfare of animals in our community and encourages citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Individuals interested in fostering, rescue organizations, or animal welfare partners willing to assist with placement of these animals or others currently housed at the shelter are encouraged to contact the Stanly County Animal Shelter at 704-986-3881.