Pender County deputy charged after use of force investigation

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A former Pender County Sheriff’s deputy has been charged following an investigation into a use-of-force incident at the Pender County Jail.

Eva Scott, who was previously employed by the sheriff’s office, is no longer with the department, according to a press release from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation began after a routine review of a use-of-force report by a sheriff’s office supervisor revealed a “concerning incident.” That led to an internal investigation that raised questions about the conduct described in the report.

The results of the internal investigation were forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office, which subsequently referred the case to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for further review.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office said it cooperated fully with the SBI throughout the investigation that ultimately led to charges against Scott, the press release said.

No further details were given about the nature of the violence used.

According to the SBI, Scott was indicted Monday by a Pender County grand jury on three counts of simple assault and one count of willful neglect of duty.