JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s been six months since Charles Faggart was hospitalized and later died from his injuries that occurred while in custody at the Duval County Jail, and there are still few answers behind what led to his death.
Faggart, 31, was hospitalized in April following an unspecified “incident” involving nine corrections officers, who were reassigned to different positions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation in September, so News4JAX reached out to the bureau for any updates on the case.
“The FBI does not release investigative details to preserve the integrity of the investigation. Therefore, we cannot share any additional information at the time,” Catherine Coennen with the FBI Jacksonville said.
The State Attorney’s Office said federal prosecutors had taken the lead on the investigation in September. The Tributary, a Jacksonville nonprofit newsroom, first reported that federal investigators issued subpoenas to nearly a dozen Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department first responders to appear before a federal grand jury in June and July.
Since grand jury proceedings are not revealed, it’s unknown what else may be involved in the investigation.
The law firm representing the family also declined to comment on the case today.
Many questions remain about Faggart’s death, days after the April 7 incident that led to the suspension of eight corrections officers and one sergeant.
Tracy Karpas, Charles Faggart’s mother, is waiting to learn exactly how and why her son died while in Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office custody.
Since his death, some community members have called for transparency.
JSO released a redacted incident report on April 14. The report said Faggart was initially admitted to the jail on April 1 on misdemeanor charges, simple assault and criminal mischief.
Faggart had been in jail for multiple days before the unspecified incident.
According to the incident report, on the evening of April 7, Faggart had been placed in restraints, displayed aggressive, erratic and disruptive behavior by thrashing his body, clenching his fist, pushing and pulling.
Then Sergeant Cox considered Faggart a threat and ordered that he be placed in a restraint safety chair.
At 7:05 p.m., Faggart displayed more aggressive behavior.
At 7:07 p.m., the report said four officers attempted to put him in a restraint safety chair as he continued to thrash his body and kick his legs.
Within five minutes, Faggart was described as calm.
At 7:24 p.m., a mental health director arrived. It is written that Faggart said he did fentanyl.
At 8:51 p.m., Faggart was removed from the restraint safety chair and escorted to a jail cell.
At 8:57 p.m., Faggart was placed back in a restraint chair.
At 9 p.m., medical staff arrived
9:05 p.m., JFRD arrived
9:10 p.m., Faggart was put on a stretcher with a compression device
The report listed “seizure” as the medical emergency.
However, medical reports obtained through The Tributary, a Jacksonville nonprofit newsroom, stated that doctors at UF Health who evaluated him observed a broken, bruised and unresponsive Faggart. They concluded he did not have fentanyl in his system, nor did he suffer a seizure, the report said.
Doctors noted multiple fractures on his face and ribs, bruises throughout his body, and serious damage to his kidneys and liver.
Since Faggart’s death, there have been multiple rallies asking for answers and accountability.
It is unclear if the FBI will take any action.