A former Rowan County sheriff’s deputy fired in 2012 after his ex-girlfriend accused him of stalking has been found not guilty of that charge.
A jury deliberated about an hour late Friday afternoon before acquitting Brian Michael Long, his attorney said.
“We’re grateful to the jury, and I believe that the jury system worked. I believe that it works, and in particular in this case,” Salisbury attorney James Davis said. “I think the jury saw there was strong evidence of innocence, and we’re tickled, very pleased.”
Long, of China Grove, was accused by an ex-girlfriend in October of 2012 with continuing to call and text her after they broke up. He was also accused of putting a tracking device on her car.
Long was suspended from his job at the Rowan County jail. Several days later, he was charged with misdemeanor stalking and fired.
His trial began Tuesday with a jury made up of eight men and four women. Davis wouldn’t say what evidence he believed might have been decisive in gaining the acquittal, but said “there was a full presentation of the evidence.”
“I think the jury believed Brian Long and the facts lined up with his innocence,” Davis said. “I’m really happy that a fine young man and a fine law enforcement officer was vindicated, and I think justice was served.”
David also couldn’t say whether Long would try to get his job back at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’ll see what the future holds now that he’s acquitted,” Davis said.