Sampson County, NC (August 21, 2026) - Local reports state that former Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Joseph Jerome Rusk-Madison was arrested after an investigation into allegations of assault and threats involving a woman in Harnett County.

Authorities reported that Rusk-Madison, 34, was charged with two counts of assault on a female and one count of communicating threats. An arrest warrant identified Angelika Rose Winters as the complainant and listed May 4 as the date of the alleged offenses. Officials did not release further details about the allegations.

According to reports, the sheriff’s office recently received a third-party complaint concerning the alleged incident. Internal investigators contacted the alleged victim, conducted an investigation, and directed her to the appropriate jurisdiction to pursue criminal charges.

After warrants were issued, deputies took Rusk-Madison into custody at his Sampson County residence. Some reports described the arrest as occurring Friday night, while others reported that it took place early Saturday morning. The sheriff’s office said command staff immediately terminated his employment because of the pending charges.

Rusk-Madison was held at the Harnett County Detention Center under a 48-hour hold. Authorities said the investigation remained ongoing.

Criminal Allegations and Potential Civil Questions

The charges against Rusk-Madison concern alleged assaults and threats. They remain allegations, and the report does not establish the outcome of the criminal case or describe a diagnosed injury.

A criminal prosecution and a potential civil claim involve different requirements. Whether the reported conduct supports a personal injury claim would require an individual review; charges or an employment termination alone do not establish that claim.

Someone with questions about an injury can consult an injury attorney about a claim. Rosensteel Fleishman can discuss the circumstances, available records and whether further investigation is needed.