Cumberland County Board Appoints Major Johnathan Morgan New Sheriff

Johnathan Morgan, a major and operations commander with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, has been unanimously appointed by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners as the new sheriff to complete the remainder of Sheriff Ennis Wright's term through December 2026. Morgan, who has 30 years of public service experience and has worked in every sworn division of the sheriff's office, was endorsed by Wright prior to his retirement in June. The Board highlighted Morgan's deep understanding of current operations as key to ensuring continuity and maintaining public safety standards. Morgan has expressed his commitment to leading the sheriff's office into a new era focused on public safety, community trust, recruitment and retention of deputies, and expanding community outreach programs. He intends to run for election in the next year to retain the office. The appointment came after a competitive process with nine candidates, including former Fayetteville Police Chief Kem Braden.