SALISBURY – A Rowan deputy accused of stalking an ex-girlfriend has been released on a written promise.
Brian Long, of Linn Avenue in China Grove, was released after the Monday hearing in Rowan County district court.
The 33-year-old spent Sunday in Cabarrus County jail after he was taken into custody during a traffic stop near Walmart in Kannapolis Saturday night.
Authorities began searching for Long on Oct. 17. An ex-girlfriend filed a misdemeanor stalking charge against him after she said he continued calling and texting when they broke up on Oct. 10, deputies said.
The Associated Press reports Long also used a tracking device on the woman’s vehicle.
Judge William C. Kluttz Jr. issued the written promise Monday morning.
Long has been an employee at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office since January 2011. He worked in the Rowan County Detention Center.
Long was suspended with pay following the charges on Oct. 17. He was dismissed from the Sheriff’s Office Friday.
Long is scheduled to be in court again on Nov. 19.