State v. Wilson

EDMUNDS, Justice.

In this case, we consider whether defendant, a mental health clinician employed by an independent contractor that provided services to prisoners housed in a local jail, was also an agent of the sheriff. We conclude that defendant was an agent authorized to act for or in place of the sheriff, and, as a result, defendant was criminally liable when he committed sexual acts with a prisoner in violation of N.C.G.S. § 14-27.7(a). Accordingly, we modify and affirm the holding of the Court of Appeals.

A detailed recitation of the facts is not necessary. Defendant David Edward Wilson…