State Audit Clears Rowan County Sheriff’s Office of Misconduct Allegations

SALISBURY, N.C. — A state investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office following allegations of improper spending, misuse of vehicles, and records violations.

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released its investigative report on January 21, 2026, after receiving complaints through its public tipline regarding the Sheriff’s Office, INV-2026-RCSO.

The allegations included claims that the sheriff used an unmarked patrol vehicle for personal purposes, misused a county purchasing card for personal expenses, made excessive and unnecessary vehicle purchases, improperly spent 9-1-1 Center funds, and denied a public records request related to fuel purchasing card records.

According to the report, auditors found no evidence that the sheriff used a patrol vehicle for personal reasons. Investigators also determined the sheriff does not personally own a black Chevrolet Tahoe, as alleged, and said the complaint did not provide enough specific information to support further investigation into the claim.

The audit also examined purchasing card activity for the Sheriff’s Office and the Detention Center. While P-Card funds were used in recent fiscal years, auditors found spending generally stayed within approved budget limits. The report found no purchases related to personal vacations, vehicle maintenance, or recreational equipment, concluding the allegation of personal misuse was unsubstantiated.

Claims of excessive vehicle and equipment purchases were also dismissed. The report states that motorcycles, patrol boats, and other equipment were purchased using approved state grant funding and county budget allocations. Auditors determined the vehicles cited in the complaint were either existing fleet vehicles or approved replacements tied to training and public safety needs.

Allegations that the Sheriff’s Office spent $1.3 million on uniforms were found to be inaccurate. Budget records showed uniform spending was significantly lower and remained within approved limits. Auditors also found no evidence that uniforms were delivered in the wrong color or improperly stored.

Additional claims involving misuse of 9-1-1 Center funds and denial of a public records request could not be investigated due to a lack of specific information provided by the complainant, according to the report.

Based on its findings, the Office of the State Auditor concluded that all allegations were unsubstantiated and closed the case. The agency noted that the investigation was not exhaustive and does not rule out future reviews should new information come forward.

In a written response included in the report, Rowan County Sheriff Travis Allen said the findings confirm his office’s commitment to transparency and responsible use of taxpayer funds.

Read the full report here: https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/investigative/inv-2026-rcso/open