A longtime Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputy is out of a job after Mint Hill police arrested him at his home on a domestic violence charge Wednesday, authorities say. He had reportedly left his shift for a family emergency shortly before the alleged incident, and the sheriff’s office moved quickly to pull him from duty as the criminal case gets underway.
Charge, Bond and Protective Order
Deputy Francisco Ramos is charged with assault on a female and was briefly booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail before being released on a $5,000 unsecured bond, according to The Charlotte Observer. He was also served with a domestic violence protective order, the outlet reported.
Sheriff’s Office Draws a Hard Line
Sheriff Garry McFadden publicly condemned the alleged conduct and said he has “zero tolerance” for domestic violence involving members of his agency, per The Charlotte Observer. The sheriff’s office said it acted promptly to terminate Ramos’ employment while the allegations are investigated.
How the Mint Hill Call Turned Into an Arrest
Mint Hill police responded around noon Wednesday to a 911 call about a domestic dispute after Ramos left his shift and returned to his Mint Hill residence for what he described as a family emergency, according to WBTV. Authorities say the alleged assault took place at the deputy’s home, and local officers then notified the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Booking Record and Mugshot Listing
Ramos appears in the county’s booking roundup under an “assault on a female” charge, according to the WCCB mugshots gallery. The station’s compilation of April 22 jail bookings shows his case listed alongside other arrests made that day.
Deputy’s Tenure and Firing
Ramos had been with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office since 2012 and was formally terminated on Thursday, according to WBTV. Officials said the decision was consistent with the agency’s policy for handling domestic violence allegations involving its employees.
Next Steps in the Case
Ramos remains under the domestic violence protective order as criminal proceedings move forward and prosecutors decide how to handle the case in Mecklenburg County courts, according to public records and local reporting. Outlets including WCNC have carried the sheriff’s office statement. Officials have not released further details about the ongoing investigation.
