Richard Wargo, previously a Sergeant at Pender Correctional Institution in North Carolina, has pled guilty to perjury in a federal civil rights investigation focused on allegations of excessive force. Wargo, 37, is set to be sentenced this year, facing a potential sentence of up to 60 months.
The case revolves around a 2021 incident at the prison involving the alleged use of excessive force against an inmate. According to court documents and testimonies, on November 17, 2021, prison officers removed an apparently intoxicated inmate to a building without surveillance cameras, where he was allegedly handcuffed and repeatedly struck with a baton, resulting in injuries.
Wargo was implicated for misleading accounts of his involvement in the incident. He was assigned to prepare the incident report but omitted mentioning his presence or involvement, contrary to the prison's reporting policies. During the FBI's 2022 probe, Wargo maintained that he was not involved, both in interviews and during a federal grand jury appearance. Contradictory testimonies from other officers indicated that Wargo was present and potentially participated in the use of force.
After further questioning in 2024, Wargo admitted to being in the building during the incident and witnessing the use of batons on the inmate.
The announcement, made by Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, followed U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle's acceptance of Wargo's plea. The FBI led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuting.
Further information and related court documents can be accessed via the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's website or PACER using Case No. 7:24-cr-0043-BO.