Reggie Watson offers accountability, transparency and trust for Harnett County Sheriff

Reggie Watson, Democratic candidate for Harnett County Sheriff, is offering voters a clear alternative built on nearly five decades of military, law-enforcement and public-service experience.

Watson served in the U.S. Army Military Police, as a North Carolina State Trooper, and as a federal security forces officer, retiring from all three careers.

Watson says his first priority as sheriff will be restoring public trust while ensuring deputies receive the leadership, training, equipment and support necessary to perform their duties professionally.

“Harnett County deserves a Sheriff’s Office that protects citizens, supports its deputies and answers to the public,” Watson said. “Trust cannot be demanded. It must be earned through professional conduct, transparent leadership and consistent accountability.”

Watson’s call for change comes after years of publicly reported controversies involving the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

THE “DEADLY FORCE” INVESTIGATION

A four-part 2016 News & Observer multimedia investigation examined allegations involving use of force by the Sheriff’s Office, including the fatal shooting of John Livingston and the death of Brandon Bethea after he was shocked three times with a Taser in the county jail and left unchecked for approximately 20 minutes.

THE $6 MILLION EXCESSIVE-FORCE SETTLEMENT

In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office insurer paid its $6 million policy limit to settle claims brought by six families alleging excessive force, wrongful arrests, unconstitutional searches and Livingston’s wrongful death.

The settlement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.

DEPUTY SEXUAL-MISCONDUCT AND CHILD-EXPLOITATION CASES

Former deputy Johnathan Edwards was fired after an inmate accused him of sexual misconduct and investigators said he attempted to conceal evidence. Edwards was later convicted in a federal child-sexual-exploitation case and sentenced to prison.

A separate 2026 federal civil complaint alleges sexual abuse and broader failures involving staffing, training and supervision at the county jail. Those allegations remain to be adjudicated.

CONTINUING DETENTION-CENTER CONCERNS

A federal judge allowed litigation involving inmate Eric Griffith’s 2021 overdose death to proceed after finding that evidence had been presented concerning drug activity, inadequate training and alleged indifference to inmates’ medical needs.

In a separate case, three detention officers were fired and criminally charged following an internal investigation and an inquiry by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation into alleged excessive force.

Criminal charges are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Watson says Harnett County cannot afford continuing litigation, reactive management and erosion of public confidence.

His priorities include:

• Clear standards of professional conduct

• Stronger training, supervision and accountability

• Fair treatment and support for deputies

• Improved detention-center management

• De-escalation and behavioral-health preparation

• Open communication with the public

“We can support law enforcement and demand accountability at the same time,” Watson said. “Professional deputies deserve professional leadership, and the citizens of Harnett County deserve a Sheriff’s Office they can trust.”

Reggie Watson is available for television, radio, podcast and print interviews to discuss his plans for a safer Harnett County and a professionally managed Sheriff’s Office.

MEDIA CONTACT

John Simmons

Campaign interview and appearance booking

(202) 821-8110

ElectReggieWatson.com

ABOUT REGGIE WATSON

Reggie Watson is the Democratic candidate for Harnett County Sheriff. He served in the U.S. Army Military Police, as a North Carolina State Trooper and as a federal security forces officer, retiring from all three careers. His campaign is centered on accountability, transparency, professional leadership, support for law-enforcement personnel and safer communities.

Aug. 4, 2026

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