BRUNSWICK COUNTY — After less than a year on the job, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office deputy Gary James Rohauer has been fired after a mid-day arrest for allegedly driving drunk with a concealed weapon.
James, 39, was arrested off of Funston Road around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11. James was found to be impaired and concealing a firearm (three firearms total were listed on the arrest warrant). James was not on duty at the time, nor was he driving a Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
Rohauer’s employment with the Sheriff’s Office was immediately terminated upon his arrest; in North Carolina, all deputies serve ‘at the pleasure’ of the Sheriff, and can be terminated without the lengthier process associated with some municipal police departments.
Records from the Brunswick County detention center indicate Rohauer was not held in custody, but officials have not yet confirmed the conditions of his bond.
In a statement, Sheriff John Ingram said, “It is always unfortunate when we have to charge a member of law enforcement who is sworn to uphold the law. However, just like any other individual who chooses to violate the law, they will be charged accordingly and held accountable for their actions.”
