ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A Rockingham County sheriff’s deputy is facing a felony charge after state investigators say he sexually assaulted a female inmate earlier this week.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has charged Deputy Christopher Lee Garrison, 32, with Felony Sexual Activity by a Substitute Parent or Custodian, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

The charge stems from allegations reported to another Rockingham County deputy around 7:32 a.m. on Nov. 11, officials said. Those allegations were relayed to supervisors and Sheriff Sam Page, who requested an SBI investigation.

According to the SBI, the alleged assault happened late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Garrison was fired from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, the same

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