State prison guard arrested, resigns post

James Davis

A former prison guard has been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer after a run-in with local police this week.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Taylorsville Police officers responded to Ridgecrest Drive in reference to a civil dispute. The caller advised that James Davis had blocked a vehicle in and would not allow its driver to leave.

Law enforcement officers arrived on scene and made contact with Davis after several minutes. Davis was immediately hostile toward officers and stated they could not order him around because he was a state officer. During the interaction, Davis repeatedly claimed to be a law enforcement officer. Officers were aware of a similar incident involving Davis that occurred last year.

Officers later discovered Davis was employed as a prison guard at the Alexander Correctional Institution and had been falsely representing himself as a law enforcement officer. As a result of the investigation, a warrant was issued for Davis for impersonating a law enforcement officer.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, officers attempted to serve the warrant. Davis refused to come to the door, causing officers to make forced entry into the residence. Davis then resisted arrest.

Davis was transported to the Alexander County Jail and charged with Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest. He was issued a $2,000 secured bond.

Upon inquiring about Davis’ employment status with Alexander Correctional Institution, The Times was told that “Davis resigned this week,” said Keith Acree, Communications Director for the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Taylorsville Police Chief Mike Millsaps stated, “We would like to thank the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office and the NC State Prison System for their assistance during the investigation and warrant service.”