***UPDATED: 11:57 a.m. Wednesday**** A federal judge ruled Monday that former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford will remain in jail, along with two of his former deputies, until his trial date, which could be in March. Another deputy will also stay in prison until the trial, the judge ruled Tuesday.
The ruling followed Medford’s arrest on Dec. 13 on federal extortion charges.
The judge ruled that due to the federal allegations that Medford had obstructued justice, he would be kept in Caldwell County jail, along with former Lt. John Harrison, until trial. Medford’s attorney, Bob Long, had argued that the former sheriff has severe back pain that would prevent him from leaving the area. Former Lt. Ronnie Eugene “Butch” Davis will also stay in jail, in Burke County, until trial.
On Tuesday the judge ruled that reserve Capt. Guy Penland, the third officer arrested with Medford, will remain in Burke County jail until the trial as well.
— David Forbes, staff writer
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.