Rockingham sheriff completes investigation after release

An internal investigation into the improper release of Leon Oxendine Jr. has been completed, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office said.

Oxendine was mistakenly released from jail Nov. 6.

The release occurred after a court appearance in which one of the six charges against Oxendine had been dismissed. The 49-year-old had been in custody under a $1.5 million bail on five sexual assault charges.

According to superior court files, Oxendine had been charged with three counts of second-degree rape, two counts of statutory rape and five counts of sexual offense.

The incidents of second-degree rape occurred between June and August 2007, the incidents of statutory rape occurred between January and March 2008, and the incidents of sexual offense occurred between April and August 2008. At the time of the improper release, Major J.V. Thomas said the release appeared to be a failure to check paperwork properly.

Once the sheriff’s office realized the mistake, they immediately began looking for him. A description of Oxendine was issued, as well as his last known address and what he was last seen wearing.

Dean Venable, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said that nearly the entire detective division was put on the case.

“It was not taken lightly,“ Venable said. “We had many investigators on the case. We gave this priority.“

Oxendine was apprehended about 16 hours after his release. He was found in Horry County, S.C., at the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier.

Venable said the location was close to the home of some of Oxendine’s relatives. His capture was without incident, and he was extradited to Rockingham County.

After the investigation, Thomas said, “This improper release was result of employee error. Disciplinary action has been taken as result of the regrettable circumstances that allowed this to happen. I believe we have reacted appropriately in this matter and hope to continue public confidence in our detention responsibilities.“

The sheriff’s office is not disclosing detailed employee information. Venable said it is a personnel matter.

Venable said the sheriff’s office has a series of checks and balances in place, so more than one employee was disciplined over the matter. He said one person was reassigned, and others were disciplined in multiple ways, but he did not go into specifics.

“This was a case of human error. It was our own fault,“ Venable said.

• Staff writer Mike Ryan can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 34.