How an ex-Durham deputy’s past exposed gaps in NC’s law enforcement oversight

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A Durham County deputy resigned after an internal investigation found he had engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship, lied about it, and attempted to obstruct investigators, according to a recent court filing. But nine months later, Joseph Costa was back in uniform, taking the oath of office as a Granville County deputy.

He would spend the next two years working as a school resource officer, the same assignment he held in Durham — without the required state commission review of his previous conduct.

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