Charlotte, January 22, 2026
CMPD Officer Matthew Michael has been arrested for the third time within a year, raising concerns about police accountability. His previous arrests involved child abuse allegations and cyberstalking charges. Despite these serious allegations, he has not faced internal discipline and remains on unpaid leave. The latest arrest is still under investigation, adding to the scrutiny towards the CMPD regarding their handling of officer misconduct.
Charlotte, NC – A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer, Matthew Michael, has reportedly been arrested for a third time within a single year, marking a concerning pattern for the department and drawing renewed scrutiny to officer accountability. While details regarding the latest arrest are still emerging, this development follows two previous arrests in 2025 on charges of child abuse and cyberstalking.
Officer’s Repeated Legal Troubles
Officer Michael’s recent arrest, reported to have occurred within the last 48 hours, is the third such incident for the officer since February of last year. His initial arrest in February 2025 involved charges of child abuse. This was followed by a second arrest in October 2025, when he faced charges of cyberstalking.
Despite these prior arrests, records from December 2025 indicated that Michael remained a CMPD police officer, though he was on unpaid leave. These records also stated that he had not been disciplined by the department since his February 2025 arrest. Earlier allegations of child abuse against Michael were subject to an internal investigation by CMPD, which concluded without disciplinary action, with the agency stating at the time that no evidence of law violation was found. However, a civil court judge in Mecklenburg County later found Michael’s denials of abuse not credible, noting that the February 2025 incident occurred alongside several other alleged incidents.
Previous Charges and Allegations
The February 2025 child abuse charges stemmed from accusations by his ex-partner, Alana Degrossass, who alleged that Michael had abused their son multiple times over several years. One specific alleged incident included holding their then 8-year-old son by the neck with his feet off the ground, pressed against a wall. The October 2025 arrest involved charges of cyberstalking against Degrossass.
CMPD’s Stance on Accountability
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has previously stated its commitment to holding officers to high standards of conduct and integrity. In instances where CMPD officers face criminal charges, most ultimately lose their jobs, either through termination or resignation. A review of 13 officers arrested and charged with crimes over a three-year period revealed that eight of them were terminated or resigned, some immediately and others within several months. Two officers faced suspensions. However, the case of Officer Michael, who has remained on unpaid leave without internal discipline following his first two arrests, appears to be an exception to this trend.
The department’s policy restricts the public release of certain details regarding personnel matters, citing North Carolina public records law. Information regarding local arrest histories is no longer directly provided by the CMPD Records Division and must be sought through the Clerk of Court.
Broader Context of Law Enforcement in Charlotte
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department recently released its annual public safety update for 2025, reporting significant decreases in overall crime. Overall crime saw a 9% reduction, with violent crime decreasing by 21% and property crime by 6%. The report also highlighted a 14% increase in arrests and a 21% rise in officer-initiated proactive activity. Chief Estella D. Patterson attributed these improvements to persistent, proactive work by officers and targeted strategies designed to enhance policing and strengthen community trust.
Recent high-profile law enforcement actions in Charlotte include the capture of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, an FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive, in Mexico on January 16, 2026. Castillo was charged with a 2016 murder in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest news regarding Charlotte police officer Matthew Michael?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer Matthew Michael has reportedly been arrested for a third time within a single year. Details about this most recent arrest are currently emerging.
What were the previous arrests and charges against Officer Michael?
Officer Michael was first arrested in February 2025 on child abuse charges. His second arrest occurred in October 2025, for cyberstalking.
What is Officer Michael’s current employment status with CMPD?
As of December 2025, Officer Michael remained a CMPD officer, on unpaid leave, and had not been disciplined since his February 2025 arrest.
How does CMPD typically handle officers facing criminal charges?
Most Charlotte police officers facing criminal charges are terminated or resign. Out of 13 officers arrested over a three-year period, eight were terminated or resigned.
Can the public access detailed information about internal investigations of CMPD officers?
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is restricted by North Carolina public records law from releasing certain details about personnel matters. Local arrest histories are no longer provided by the CMPD Records Division and are available through the Clerk of Court.
Key Details of Officer Matthew Michael’s Arrests and Status
| Event | Date/Period | Details/Charges | Status/Outcome | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Arrest | February 2025 | Child abuse charges, including allegations of holding his son by the neck. | Remained a CMPD officer on unpaid leave; no internal discipline by CMPD as of Dec 2025. Civil court judge found denials not credible. | Charlotte |
| Second Arrest | October 2025 | Cyberstalking charges. | Remained a CMPD officer on unpaid leave; no internal discipline by CMPD as of Dec 2025. | Charlotte |
| Third Arrest | Within last 48 hours (Jan 2026) | Details currently emerging. | Under investigation. | Charlotte |
| Internal Investigation (Pre-First Arrest) | Before February 2025 | Allegations of child abuse. | Closed without discipline; agency found no evidence of law violation at the time. | Charlotte |
| CMPD Officer Status (General) | Ongoing | Most officers charged with crimes lose their jobs. | 8 out of 13 officers arrested over 3 years were terminated or resigned. | Charlotte |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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