Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has tapped one of his former political rivals to be his new right-hand man, naming retired Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Sgt. Ricky Robbins as the county's next chief deputy.
Robbins is scheduled to start next Wednesday and will oversee both the courts division and field operations. The move puts a longtime local investigator in a top job at a moment when the sheriff's office is under intense scrutiny from multiple directions.
In a statement, the sheriff's office said Robbins brings more than 40 years of law-enforcement experience and has worked assignments that include patrol, SWAT, crash investigations and homicide work, according to WCNC. Valerie M. Fields said "we are excited to welcome Mr. Robbins to our executive leadership team as our new chief deputy," while Celeste D. Youngblood praised his "strong record of leadership, professionalism and dedication," the announcement said. Sheriff Garry McFadden added that Robbins' experience and vision "align with our mission to promote safety, accountability and trust across Mecklenburg County," according to the release.
Robbins' record and campaign
Robbins spent decades with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, where he supervised SWAT operations and homicide investigations and worked on crash-response teams, according to Axios Charlotte.
He later challenged McFadden in the March Democratic primary and finished with roughly 31% of the vote in a four-way contest, per WBTV. On the trail, Robbins stressed improving staff morale inside the sheriff's office, reopening the juvenile detention center and reducing jail deaths.
Office turnover and scrutiny
The hire follows a stretch of high-profile exits and hard questions for the sheriff's top ranks. WIS-TV reported last August that a chief deputy resigned with a blistering letter accusing leadership of "backstabbing, lies, disrespect" and fostering a toxic workplace. Separately, WFAE has detailed a State Bureau of Investigation inquiry and concerns about inmate deaths.
Supporters of the hire say Robbins' long law-enforcement background could help steady day-to-day operations and rebuild trust among staff and the public.
Robbins' role will include supporting McFadden in managing the office and helping guide its overall strategic direction, the sheriff's announcement said, according to WCNC. Officials did not immediately announce any other changes tied to the promotion. Robbins is set to be formally sworn in when he takes the post next week.
