Medford documents reveal judge feared for witnesses’ safety

The official summary of the detention hearing for former Sheriff Bobby Medford on federal extortion charges, and the subsequent ruling by Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell that Medford stay in jail until his trial, reveal that the judge feared that Medford might be a threat to the safety of witnesses if released:

“Based upon this defendant’s previous alleged conduct, which indicates an extensive and systematic conspiracy to obstruct justice for simple pecuniary gain, the court has serious conderns about what additional steps that this defendant might take to secure his liberty and avoid conviction … the undersigned finds by clear and convincing evidence that the release of the defendant would create a risk of harm or danger to any other person or the community and will enter its order detaining the defendant.”

Howell further wrote that he did not find arguments by Medford’s attorney that the former sheriff’s disability and poor health were reasons to release him:

“The defendant has vast experience as a law enforcement officer and as a result is trained in the use of firearms, methods used by law enforcement to detect perpetrators, and to identify and locate potential witnesses. These skills would certainly be of use in obstructing justice and the trial process in this manner. … While the defendant does have significant physical disabilities, these disabilities would not prevent the defendant from obstructing or attempting to obstruct justice. Indeed, the defendant suffered from most if not all of these disabilities during the time of the criminal conduct in which he purportedly engaged.”

Medford, who had many controversial incidents during his tenure as sheriff, will next come before the court on Monday, Jan. 7, when his attorney for his March trial will be named. For more documents related to the case, see the Xpress Files

— David Forbes, staff writer

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

2 thoughts on “Medford documents reveal judge feared for witnesses’ safety

  1. Rob Close

    wise decision. but who are his jailers? does he know them? can he sneak orders out through them?

  2. born and bread

    Rob:

    Of course. You think he’s really gonna detox from those pills?

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.