Lincoln County deputy threatened ex-wife that he was ‘on the attack,’ filings show
A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrested in Mecklenburg County on Sunday was accused of cyberstalking and sending threatening texts to his ex-wife, according to court filings.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police charged Michael Hargrave, 40, with communicating threats and cyberstalking after his ex-wife, according to court records.
A CMPD arrest affidavit included several verbatim texts, including one he tried to unsend that his ex-wife took as a physical threat.
“Also, I’m mean and vindictive person... think you know that... we’re in defense right now... but soon as it’s over and we win, I’m going on the attack and I’m not gna be satisfied until the are both crushed and bleeding...just so you know, fully plan to defend but as soon as it’s over I’m going full violent ruin your life kinda offense.Just so you know,” Hargrave sent in a text, the affidavit said.
She told police she believed he was capable of carrying those threats out, the affidavit said. She also told detectives that Hargrave had been violent at work before, and had threatened suicide and self-harm at home.
Hargrave was placed on unpaid administrative leave by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a spokesperson said on Monday.
His wife reported Hargrave began sending inappropriate and harassing text messages between April 27 and May 1 while she was at work in Mecklenburg County, the affidavit said.
The number of messages increased in the days following after Hargrave was served a child custody complaint in Gaston County court on April 28, the affidavit said. Hargrave’s ex-wife said she would get a protective order if Hargrave continued sending harassing text messages.
In other text messages, Hargrave said accusations she raised against him in court filings were false and accused her of slander, the affidavit stated.
On May 1, the ex-wife filed an ex parte domestic violence protection order in Gaston County against Hargrave, accusing him of “erratic and violent behavior,” the affidavit said.
Hargrave was held on bond at Mecklenburg County Jail. Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden said in a statement that it’s difficult for everyone involved when a law enforcement officer is arrested.
“All law enforcement personnel are sworn to uphold the law fairly and professionally, regardless of a person’s title, position or agency,” McFadden said. “This incident is a reminder that accountability applies to all of us who wear the badge. We will continue to handle this matter with the same integrity, transparency and respect that our community expects.”
