North Carolina deputy accused of strangling and sexually assaulting a woman

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – A sheriff’s deputy is charged with one misdemeanor and three felonies in Wake County.

Malik Tyshon Thornton, 29, was arrested Wednesday by Apex police after arrest warrants say he forcibly held a victim against a bed against her will “in an attempt to arouse her to have sex with him.”

A spokesperson for the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Rosalia Fodera, confirmed to CBS 17 that Thornton is a current employee and has been placed on administrative leave following the charges.

A social media post from the sheriff’s office in December 2023 identifies Thornton as a deputy. His employment with the sheriff’s office began in September 2023, according to Fodera.

Booking photo of Wake County Deputy Malik Thornton. (CCBI)

Fodera also confirmed that an internal investigation and review had been launched as of 1.30pm on Wednesday following Thornton’s allegations.

“We take any violation of the law seriously and keep a close eye on developments. We respect the legal process and will proceed accordingly,” Fodera added.

Thornton’s charges are as follows:

• Crime by strangulation
• Felony sexual battery
• Felony assault on a woman
• Felony crime of domestic violence

The arrest warrants also detailed that during the alleged incident on Wednesday, Thornton kissed the victim’s neck and strangled her with his hands. “Bruises around her neck” were also observed, “from chain and hand marks from strangulation.”

As part of its response, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office also said it “holds all employees, both sworn and non-sworn, to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both on and off duty. Our office’s commitment to providing service and maintaining public trust remains unwavering.”