Two detention officers at the Rockingham County Detention Center were arrested and later fired after an altercation that left a 71‑year‑old inmate with serious injuries, authorities said. Both are now facing felony assault charges accusing them of inflicting serious bodily injury during a mid‑March incident. Sheriff Sam Page asked the State Bureau of Investigation to take over the case, and the officers were initially held at the Caswell County jail before posting bond and being released.
According to WXII 12, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation arrested the two officers after Page requested an outside probe. WXII reported that the 71‑year‑old inmate was taken to a hospital for treatment and that the officers were suspended while the SBI investigation played out.
As reported by the Raleigh News & Observer, the officers have been identified as Jonathan Montanez‑Figueroa and Damion Matthew Gage Brown. Court records show each man was charged with one count of felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury and given a $250,000 bail. The paper notes that both posted bond, were released, and were then terminated by the sheriff's office. Capt. Jonathan Cheek told the outlet that "if staff violate law or policy they are handled appropriately," while Indigent Defense Services communications specialist Amanda Bunch said the agency "does not comment on specific cases as a general rule."
Troubled history at the jail
The Rockingham County jail has already been under a harsh spotlight after a series of inmate deaths, multiple failed state inspections and, more recently, the loss of its liability insurer following problems in 2024. Reporting by The Assembly describes repeated inspection failures and internal disputes that have turned the facility into a political flashpoint.
What’s next in court
The cases have been assigned to Rockingham County District Court. Online court records reviewed by the Raleigh News & Observer list a disposition hearing for Damion Brown on April 8. A separate disposition date for Jonathan Montanez‑Figueroa had been set for April 21 but was later canceled. It was not yet clear whether prosecutors will pursue additional charges, and upcoming court calendars will dictate the officers' next formal appearances.
Legal stakes
Under North Carolina law, an assault that inflicts serious bodily injury is typically a Class F felony. The statute defines "serious bodily injury" to include harm that creates a substantial risk of death or causes coma or prolonged hospitalization. As outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly, a conviction can carry significant prison time, with the exact punishment depending on the final charges and any sentencing enhancements.
Sheriff Page's call for an SBI review of this altercation adds yet another investigation to the sheriff's office, including an ongoing SBI probe into vending‑machine proceeds that has raised questions about county oversight. The Assembly reports that the jail's troubles have become tightly intertwined with Page's campaign for state senate.
