Union County Sheriffs stand behind hiring of new deputy linked to controversial K9 video

UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Despite the calls for a newly hired Union County deputy to resign and an ongoing petition with over 2,000 signatures demanding his removal, the sheriff’s office is standing firm in its hiring decision.

Deputy Sheriff James Hampton joined the Union County Sheriff’s Office patrol division in July after resigning from his previous position with the Salisbury Police Department following a viral video of Hampton reportedly mishandling his K-9 partner.

The video showed Hampton lifting his K-9, Zuul, off the ground by the leash and striking the dog. No criminal charges were filed after investigations concluded that Hampton’s actions didn’t meet the threshold for prosecution.

The sheriff’s office sent a statement, addressing Union County residents regarding the department’s decision to hire Hampton.

Sheriff Cathey said since the hiring, Hampton, his family, and the sheriff’s office have received threats, bullying, and inappropriate comments by social media users “whose goal is to divide our county and erode public trust in law enforcement.”

Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds that he has “no intention to fire [James Hampton] based upon public perception of an incident that happened nearly five years ago in another jurisdiction.”

Full Sheriff Cathey’s statement below.