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Medford, deputies to stay in jail until trial

***UPDATED: 11:57 a.m. Wednesday**** A federal judge ruled Monday that former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford will remain in jail, along with two of his former deputies, until his trial date, which could be in March. Another deputy will also stay in prison until the trial, the judge ruled Tuesday.

The ruling followed Medford’s arrest on Dec. 13 on federal extortion charges.

The judge ruled that due to the federal allegations that Medford had obstructued justice, he would be kept in Caldwell County jail, along with former Lt. John Harrison, until trial. Medford’s attorney, Bob Long, had argued that the former sheriff has severe back pain that would prevent him from leaving the area. Former Lt. Ronnie Eugene “Butch” Davis will also stay in jail, in Burke County, until trial.

On Tuesday the judge ruled that reserve Capt. Guy Penland, the third officer arrested with Medford, will remain in Burke County jail until the trial as well.

— David Forbes, staff writer

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