Controversial N.C. sheriff under state criminal investigation

Charlotte.com ^

[Stew Padasso]

Controversial N.C. sheriff under state criminal investigation

TIM WHITMIRE

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Davidson County Sheriff Gerald Hege, known nationally for his pink jail cells and paramilitary stylings, is under a state criminal investigation, District Attorney Garry Frank said Wednesday.

In a written statement, Frank said he asked the State Bureau of Investigation in April to look into allegations involving the activities and conduct of the controversial sheriff.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported in Wednesday editions that SBI agents interviewed Hege and some of his top deputies Tuesday.

Hege told the paper that agents, "talked with numerous people. ... This is an investigation topic that's been done numerous times over the years." Hege said he also was interviewed by the SBI.

"I've been under investigation since the day I came into office," he said. "People make allegations and the district attorney ... has to follow through with them."

In his statement, Frank said no conclusions can yet be drawn as to whether Hege will face charges.

Last year, three of Hege's officers were sent to federal prison for their involvement in a drug ring. Hege narrowly won re-election to a third term in November, fending off challenger Roy Holman.

Hege's jail has a reputation as one of the toughest in the nation, with 24-hour lockdown, no TVs or newspapers, and the walls painted pink as a way to symbolically emasculate inmates.

Hege's persona is a throwback to the days of the all-powerful Southern sheriff, and signs and a Hege-run Web site declare Davidson County to be "Hege Country."

A photograph on the Web site shows the sheriff wielding a pistol-grip, double-barreled shotgun.

Frank said he requested the SBI investigation of Hege after receiving information that developed from an SBI investigation last fall of the former director of the county's public buildings and maintenance department, Ron Richardson.

Frank declined comment beyond his statement.

[Stew Padasso]

Here is some amatuer video of Hege back in 96 or 97:

Video (right click and save target as):

http://libertyteeth.com/Hegge.mpg

[Stew Padasso]

http://libertyteeth.com/Hegge.mpg

[StriperSniper]

Frank said he asked the State Bureau of Investigation in April to look into allegations involving the activities and conduct of the controversial sheriff.

Frank said no conclusions can yet be drawn as to whether Hege will face charges.

That reminds me, time to go fishing.

[Stew Padasso]

"Last year, three of Hege's officers were sent to federal prison for their involvement in a drug ring."

Three top deputies were dealing drugs right under his nose for 2 years. It is a good idea to keep this guy focused on his job and not the cameras.

[Stew Padasso]

NC bump

[Constitution Day]

Thanks for the post, I will ping the NC list.

[Constitution Day]

Hey!! Looky here.

[jamz]

I once did contract work for the administrative office of the courts...some officials hated his guts. They'll do anything to get him out.

[Constitution Day]

NC ping!
Please FRmail me if you want to be added to or removed from this North Carolina ping list.

[Howlin]

They've been after him since the day he won election, even before he took office.

[JohnnyZ]

[JohnnyZ]

[TaxRelief]

[Rebelbase]

The Davidson County used have a certain element of social trash that tainted the area. Some of those courthouse administrator's kin were most likely "cleaned-up", thus the animosity.

[Congressman Billybob]

Hi, CD,

Speaking of pinging the good folks of NC, I have a new column up on FR and on my website that most of them will probably enjoy. See below.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, now up FR, and perhaps in the Nashville paper on Sunday, "The Perfect Country and Western Song."

[mommybain]

I live in Davidson County, and served on a jury for a drug trial in which Sheriff Hege testified. I expected him to be the bombastic 'tude you see on TV. He wasn't; he was very soft-spoken and polite. I wish I knew enough about this particular situation to have a valid opinion; I don't. I do believe he's done some good things for our county.