Nine Duval County Corrections Officers Suspended After Death of Inmate Charles Faggart, Sparking Public Outrage and Calls for Federal Investigation into Jail Practices and Accountability
JACKSONVILLE, FL — In a case that has drawn widespread concern and renewed debate about jail safety and accountability, the Duval County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the suspension of nine corrections officers following the death of 33-year-old inmate Charles Faggart. The incident occurred on April 7, 2025, inside the Duval County Jail and has since prompted an internal investigation and calls for federal oversight.
Authorities say officers responded to an undisclosed situation involving Faggart early that morning. By approximately 9:00 a.m., Faggart was reportedly in cardiac arrest. Despite emergency intervention and subsequent transport to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Though details surrounding the circumstances of Faggart’s death remain scarce, the case has taken on growing significance as more information begins to emerge. The nine suspended individuals include eight corrections officers and one sergeant:
- Sgt. W.H. Cox
- Officer T.C. Pennamon
- Officer G.L. McKinnis
- Officer D.D. Thomas
- Officer M.E. Sullivan
- Officer P.L. Collins
- Officer A.K. Maygoo
- Officer E. Kurtovic
- Officer J.J. Bullard
These officers have had their corrections authority revoked as the investigation proceeds. The nature of their involvement in Faggart’s death has not yet been detailed in public reports. Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that while an internal review is ongoing, he has also requested federal assistance to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation. At the time of reporting, the FBI had not yet confirmed an open inquiry into the case.
The response from Faggart’s family has been marked by heartbreak and frustration. Family attorney Belkis Plata has publicly criticized the sheriff’s office for releasing a heavily redacted incident report and identifying the involved officers without notifying the family first. Plata emphasized that Faggart’s loved ones had been left in the dark, forced to piece together details from the media while coping with their grief.
“This family has been begging for answers,” Plata said. “They deserved a full account of what happened to their son, brother, and friend — not a document with blacked-out lines and silence from officials.”
Faggart, known affectionately in the community as “Chop It Charlie” for his local tree service business, was described by friends as generous, hardworking, and beloved by many. His death has sparked anger and grief across Jacksonville and beyond, culminating in a large protest and rally outside the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, where community members called for justice and systemic reform.
Civil rights activists and local leaders have echoed the family’s demands for transparency, calling the case a tragic example of broader issues within Florida’s correctional system. Several advocacy groups have joined efforts to seek justice for Faggart, urging for independent oversight of the jail and better protection for incarcerated individuals.
As the investigation unfolds, the Sheriff’s Office says it remains committed to transparency. Still, the public remains skeptical, with many awaiting clear answers and meaningful accountability.
Charles Faggart’s family is currently planning a memorial service to honor his life and legacy. They continue to urge anyone with information about the events leading to his death to come forward.