Arrest of Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Civilian Employee

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office was recently notified of a lengthy investigation by the Norfolk Police Department and other law enforcement agencies into several individuals, including an employee of the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. Immediately upon learning of the investigation we offered our full cooperation with our partner agencies and will continue to do so throughout the course of the investigation.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, we were notified of the arrest of Tashonna McKinzie who was, at the time of her arrest, employed by our agency. She was subsequently terminated from her position on July 29, 2025. She was employed from November 23, 2001, until her termination on July 29, 2025, and at the time of her termination was the Inmate Classification Manager, a civilian, non-sworn position within our agency. In her role she oversaw inmate placement within the jail.

“The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office’s mission statement outlines our commitment to public safety, public service, and public trust and I expect our employees to make decisions that embody that mission statement and our core values of integrity in all things, respect at all times, duty without prejudice, pride without ego, team before self, and the courage to do the right thing. My office recently learned about an investigation involving one of our employees and we immediately offered our full cooperation to investigators. Upon learning of the charges and subsequent arrest of Ms. McKinzie, coupled with a Norfolk Sheriff’s Office internal investigation, she was terminated from her position. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the citizens of Norfolk and to those in our care,” stated Sheriff Joe Baron.

Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to comment on the charges or the ongoing investigation.

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The Norfolk Sheriff's Office is a values driven organization
committed to public safety, public service, and public trust.