Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Ray Hargrave, 40, was arrested over the weekend after allegedly sending threatening text messages to a family member. The messages included a vow to 'go full violent' and ruin the recipient's life. He faces charges of communicating threats and cyberstalking.
Michael Ray Hargrave, a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina, was taken into custody on Sunday by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. Court records detail that Hargrave sent a text message stating in all caps: 'Also, I'm mean and vindictive person…I think you know that…we're in defense right now…but as soon as it's over and we win I'm going on the attack and I'm not gna [sic] be satisfied until the [sic] are both crushed and bleeding…just so you know, I fully plan to defend but as so as it's over I'm going full violent ruin your life kinda offense.' Authorities noted the threat was made in a way that would cause a reasonable person to fear it would be carried out, and the recipient believed it would be. Hargrave also allegedly sent repeated messages to annoy, threaten, and harass the family member, according to an arrest warrant. A criminal domestic violence protection order was issued following his arrest. He remained in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center as of Monday morning, with no future court date listed. Local NBC affiliate WCNC reports Hargrave is on administrative leave pending investigation. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry L. McFadden addressed the incident in a statement: 'Any time a member of law enforcement is arrested, it is difficult for everyone involved. All law enforcement personnel are sworn to uphold the law fairly and professionally, regardless of a person's title, position or agency. This incident is a reminder that accountability applies to all of us who wear the badge.'