After 11 Deaths, Lawsuit, Arrests at Jail, Travelers Drops NC Sheriff’s Liability Coverage

After multiple deaths in the jail, criminal charges against an employee and alleged sexual relationships with inmates, a North Carolina sheriff’s office has lost its law enforcement liability insurance coverage from Travelers.

The News & Observer and other news outlets reported this week that Travelers had notified Rockingham County’s risk manager that the insurer will drop the sheriff’s office July 1. County officials said they are now looking for new coverage but expect premiums to jump significantly – if coverage can be found.

Travelers cited a number of issues, including failure by the sheriff to report claims or potential claims; criminal charges filed against an office worker; and allegations that a now-terminated employee had relations with inmates outside the jail, the newspaper reported.

The county has been sued by the family of Kyle Kepley, who died by suicide in the jail in 2022. The family charges the jail lacked proper supervision of at-risk inmates. Five inmates have died by suicide in the past three years and another six died from drug overdoses, the news site noted.

A sheriff’s captain was recently dismissed and charged with assault and sexual battery on a female prisoner. Another officer was terminated after officials uncovered sex with inmates.

The sheriff of Rockingham County is Sam Page, who recently ran unsuccessfully for North Carolina lieutenant governor.

Topics Lawsuits North Carolina