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Jonathan Morgan appointed to fill Cumberland County sheriff’s unexpired term; board sets bond and salary
Summary
After receiving nine letters of interest, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners appointed Jonathan Morgan Aug. 11 to serve the remainder of Sheriff Ennis Wright’s term, approved a $25,000 surety bond and set an annual salary of $195,000 effective Aug. 11, 2025. The appointment was unanimous.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11 appointed Major Jonathan Morgan to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Ennis Wright, who retired effective June 30, 2025. The board also approved a surety bond with Ohio Casualty Insurance Company in the amount of $25,000 and set the sheriff’s annual salary at $195,000 effective Aug. 11, 2025.
County staff outlined the statutory process under North Carolina General Statutes requiring the board to appoint a person qualified to serve as sheriff to finish the elected term (through Dec. 31, 2026). The county accepted letters of interest and supporting documents through Aug. 4 and received nine applications. The board gave each applicant present in the chamber five minutes to speak; several candidates spoke at the meeting, including Joseph Baylor, James Barnes, James (Jimmy) Black, Kimberly Braden, Jonathan Morgan, Terry Ray, Ronald Starling and LaRue Windham. Several candidates detailed lengthy law-enforcement careers and community ties.
Jonathan Morgan — who told the board he has worked “from road patrol deputy to major operations” and currently supervises the sheriff’s office division overseeing 149 personnel — said he would continue the office’s recent priorities of recruitment and retention, community outreach, partnerships with neighboring agencies and support for training programs. Morgan said Sheriff Ennis Wright endorsed him; the meeting transcript records that Morgan said he was “deeply grateful” for Wright’s recommendation.
Vice Chairwoman Jones moved to appoint Jonathan Morgan to fill the unexpired term, approve the $25,000 surety bond and establish the annual salary of $195,000 effective Aug. 11, 2025. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The appointment requires a surety bond and the board’s salary-setting action by statute; staff will finalize the bond paperwork and scheduling of any formal swearing-in. Commissioners thanked all applicants and noted the breadth of experience among the nine candidates.
