CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After weeks of trying, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden finally answered WCNC Charlotte's questions over allegations from former employees that challenged his leadership style, comparing the sheriff's office to a "third-world dictatorship."
The turmoil began when former Chief Deputy Kevin Canty resigned with a scathing letter attacking McFadden's leadership. On Monday, McFadden spoke with WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker, saying he and the sheriff's office have moved on and questioned why they can't be better.
Earlier this month, McFadden apologized for using racist language. He also defended his agency, saying he's committed to the people of Mecklenburg County.
When asked how he'd respond to being compared to a third-world dictator, McFadden said that's just one person's opinion.
"That's his opinion," McFadden said. "Did this look like a third-world dictatorship? That's his opinion, I respect his opinion, but that's not what we are doing."
Angelia Riggsbee, the former director of business operations at the sheriff's office, told WCNC Charlotte she was terminated without cause, agreeing with Canty about McFadden's leadership style. When asked if multiple people having the same belief about his operation, McFadden again downplayed the allegations and said he could find numerous people who don't share those feelings.
"Well, it's their opinion," McFadden said. "Does it look like a third world? No, I hate to say this, as many people they brought forward, I could do the same thing. But we don't have to do that."
McFadden touted his accomplishments and called his office an example to other sheriff's offices across the state. He also said the focus on the MCSO has been unfair.
"We do not do balance on reporting," McFadden said. "We see sketchy reporting, we are a great agency."
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.