Judge Orders Jacksonville Sheriff to Release Jail Records
A judge ruled the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office must share surveillance video and reports regarding the death of Charles Faggart.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Judge Michael Sharrit ordered the release of records to the family of Charles Faggart, who died three days after being transported from the Duval County jail to a hospital. The order follows a public records lawsuit filed against the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Why it matters
The court determined that the family has waited sufficiently long for transparency, rejecting arguments from the U.S. Attorney's Office that the records should remain sealed. This ruling marks a significant development in the investigation into the circumstances of Faggart's death.
Eight corrections officers and one sergeant involved in the jail incident were previously reassigned to administrative units. An FBI investigation into the death remains active.
The players
Michael Sharrit
He is the judge presiding over the public records lawsuit involving the death of Charles Faggart.
Charles Faggart
He was an inmate who died in April 2025 after being transported from the Duval County jail to a hospital.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
This is the law enforcement agency responsible for the oversight of the Duval County jail and the subject of the records lawsuit.
T.K. Waters
He is the Sheriff of Jacksonville who was named as a defendant in the family's public records lawsuit.
FBI
This federal agency is conducting an ongoing investigation into the death of Charles Faggart.
The details
Medical records show Faggart suffered facial and rib fractures, bruises, and damage to his kidneys and liver, with a stun gun barb found in his back. Judge Sharrit instructed the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to provide the requested surveillance footage and investigative materials to the family's attorneys for immediate private viewing.
Timeline
April 7, 2025: Faggart was transported from the Duval County jail to a hospital.
April 10, 2025: Charles Faggart died.
August 2026: The judge expressed a need for guidance regarding the release of records.
October 28, 2026: Judge Sharrit ordered the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to release records to the family.
Legal Context
The ruling highlights the enforcement of the Florida Public Records Act in cases involving custodial deaths. This decision follows a broader trend of increased judicial scrutiny over transparency in local law enforcement proceedings.
This decision grants the family access to long-sought answers while keeping the ongoing FBI investigation into local jail operations in the public eye. Residents may monitor future findings for clarity on safety protocols and staff conduct within the Duval County facility.
The takeaway
Transparency in custodial death cases is essential for community trust in law enforcement agencies. Legal mandates for document disclosure serve as a critical check on government processes when investigations stall.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Criminal Justice section.
