Sarah Scully, Anchor/Reporter
How did the NC State Bureau of Investigation know to start checking out a former cop? The Sheriff asked for an investigation into the former Chief Deputy.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office released a statement June 30 clarifying Sheriff Buddy Harwood’s role in the NC SBI June 14 arrest of former Madison County Chief Deputy Coy Phillips on 5 felony and 2 misdemeanor charges.
The sheriff’s statement said he received information Oct. 6, 2025 regarding Phillips and followed procedure by then immediately contacting District Attorney Seth Banks, who then notified the SBI, whose independent, third-party investigation led to arresting Phillips in Arizona and extraditing him to Avery County to face Madison County charges.
Hired by former Sheriff John Ledford in 2005 as a jailer, Phillips held the Chief Deputy position, from July 13, 2016 to September 8, 2025.
He went from Chief Deputy to Chief Jail Administrator and held that job for just 10 days before resigning Sept. 18, 2025.
Current Deputy Chief Van Duncan says the move from Chief Deputy to Chief Jail Administrator is not considered a demotion, rather both positions are equal rank in different departments.
On a personal note, I did receive information June 28 through Facebook messenger from a former sheriff’s office employee, who will remain anonymous. The information contained allegations regarding Phillips and other sheriff’s office personnel, but not the sheriff. This information will need further corroboration from additional reputable sources before I feel comfortable releasing those details.
Court appearance: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BXYZETgnx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
