How an ex-Durham deputy's past exposed gaps in NC's law enforcement oversight
A Durham County deputy resigned after an internal investigation found he had engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship, lied about it, and attempted to obstruct investigators, according to a recent court filing. But nine months later, Joseph Costa was back in uniform, taking the oath of office as a Granville County deputy. He would spend the next two years working as a school resource officer, the same assignment he held in Durham — without the required state commission review of his previous conduct. A recent court filing by a North Carolina district attorney revealed how Costa, and possibly other deputies, escaped scrutiny by the state commission that oversees deputy certifications. The filing that outlines Costa’s circumstances offers a rare look at what happens when a deputy leaves one sheriff’s office after allegations of misconduct and is hired by another. His case also raises questions about whether the Granville office, headed by Sheriff Robert Fountain Jr., is complying with certification requirements intended to protect the integrity of criminal investigations and North Carolina law enforcement officers. It appears Costa’s “appointment was intentionally withheld” from the Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission, Granville County District Attorney Mike Waters told The News & Observer.
Granville County, NC · 13h
