The family of Charles Faggart, a Jacksonville man who died following an incident at the Duval County Jail, has appealed for calm as tensions rise in the community. Faggart, a local father and caterer, was hospitalized last Monday and succumbed to his injuries three days later. His death prompted the removal of eight corrections officers and a sergeant, all currently under investigation. "Charles’ death has rightfully sparked anger, frustration, and grief throughout the community," said the family through their attorney Belkis Plata, in a statement obtained by First Coast News.
While emotions boil, the family insists on peaceful demonstrations, expressing their gratitude for the support from locals. "Your kindness, generosity, and activism have brought comfort as they continue to seek answers surrounding the tragic circumstances of Charles’ death at the hands of members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office," the family statement continued. Details surrounding the events that led to Faggart's critical injuries and later death have not been fully disclosed, an absence of clarity that has intensified calls for accountability. Moreover, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters assured the family that the case was a top priority, as reported by News4Jax.
Community members have taken to the streets demanding answers, and the family acknowledges the shared outrage. However, they highlighted in their statement on First Coast News, there are "many good and honorable members of law enforcement who serve this community with integrity." This sentiment appears to tread a delicate line between demand for justice and a call for broad recognition of the service commitment by other law enforcement officers.
In pursuit of transparency, an exclusive report by Action News Jax sheds some light on the incident citing two law enforcement sources who provided a general outline of the encounter between Faggart and the corrections officers. The officers involved have since been reassigned with pay, pending the results of the investigation.
