North Carolina: Former Sheriff's Detention Officer Thomas Brigman Jr and his wife EMS worker Courtney Brigman have been charged with animal cruelty

NORTH CAROLINA -- A former Cleveland County sheriff's deputy who worked in the detention center and a Cleveland County EMS worker are both facing several animal cruelty charges.

Thomas Brigman Jr. and Courtney Brigman  (aka Courtney Windsor Brigman aka Courtney Windsor), each face charges of:

1. Felony animal cruelty, death by starvation
2. Felony animal cruelty, death by starvation
3. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
4. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
5. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
6. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
7. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
8. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
9. Misdemeanor animal cruelty
10. Misdemeanor improper disposal of dead, domesticated animal
11. Misdemeanor improper disposal of dead, domesticated animal
12. Misdemeanor improper disposal of dead, domesticated animal
13. Misdemeanor improper disposal of dead, domesticated animal

Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said the charges came after starved and deceased animals were found at their home at 3205 Crowders Ridge Road, between Kingstown and Polkville. The two were arrested and charged Monday, Oct 10th.

 

Thomas Brigman, 47, was fired from his job as a Cleveland County detention officer Oct. 5, one week before charges were filed. He was a detention officer from July 1 to Oct. 6.

Before that, Thomas Brigman was employed as a sheriff's deputy from Sept. 16, 2005, to July 15, 2015, according to Cleveland County Human Resources.

Why did he go from being a 'road cop' to working at the jail? That's typically seen as taking a step backwards - not forwards.

Courtney Brigman, 35, was fired from her job with Cleveland County EMS (Upper Cleveland Rescue) on Oct. 6, where she had been a employee since Feb. 1, 2015.

"We were contacted and after a swift investigation, he (Thomas Brigman) was not given a chance to resign, he was terminated the next day," Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said.

Thomas Brigman retained David Teddy as his lawyer. Courtney Brigman denied counsel.

They each received a secure bond of $10,000 and immediately posted it. Both are out on bond and will appear in court Nov. 1.

(Shelby Star - Oct 13, 2016)