A Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy is facing public backlash after posting a photo of an injured suspect to his personal social media account with the caption “FAFO,” an acronym commonly understood to mean “F*** Around and Find Out.”
The image, showing 32‑year‑old Quadaddius Williams of Lincolnton with facial injuries following an early‑morning altercation with deputies, was reportedly posted by Deputy Jimmy Cronan II shortly after Williams’ arrest. The post has since been removed and Cronan’s social media page appears to be deactivated. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office declined to say Tuesday whether any discipline has been imposed.
The arrest: According to the incident report authored by Deputy Cronan, the arrest took place at 3:27 a.m. Sunday near 4223 Washington Road in Evans, where deputies were investigating a suspicious person. Deputy Cronan said he arrived to find Williams walking away from Deputy Austin Abbott, attempted to detain him and was struck by a closed fist on the left side of his face.
The report states Deputy Abbott deployed a Taser once without effect; Deputy Cronan deployed his Taser twice and reports both deployments were ineffective. The two deputies and Williams then became engaged in a physical struggle. Deputy Cronan wrote that Williams continued resisting, throwing punches at both deputies, and that Deputy Abbott then struck Williams in the face with a closed fist. The fight moved from the roadway to the shoulder, where all three fell. Officers repeatedly ordered Williams to roll onto his stomach and place his hands behind his back; the report says he initially refused. Sgt. Bultman later arrived and helped place Williams in handcuffs.
Williams was taken to Doctors Hospital for evaluation of injuries that included a bleeding nose and mouth. Deputy Abbott was treated for an ankle injury. Williams was charged with two counts of obstruction. The report notes spent Taser cartridges were recovered at the scene and that traffic camera footage of the altercation has been uploaded to evidence.
Online reaction: anger, support and distrust: The deputy’s social media post drew strong and divided reactions online. Some commenters demanded accountability. “This is not okay… he needs to be fired and go to jail!!” wrote Jamie Graham.
Others defended the deputy. “I don’t believe none of this because Jimmy is a stand up man. Very good person inside and out. Yall barking at the wrong one,” wrote Amanda Johnthan Isenhour.
Skepticism about an internal review was also visible. “(CCSO) will just ignore it and hope it goes away like all their other problems,” wrote Caleb Childress.
And at least one commenter identified the suspect as family. “This (suspect is) my brother in law and they wont get away with this ! Not this time !!!” wrote Jessica Williams.
What’s next: On Tuesday, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Maj. Steve Morris confirmed that Deputy Jimmy Cronan violated department policy by taking and posting the photo of the injured suspect.
“After conducting an investigation it was concluded that the taking and posting of the suspect’s picture after apprehension is a clear violation of policy,” Maj. Morris said.
“Disciplinary action will be taken and there were no additional violations.”
According to the sheriff’s office, Cronan’s actions violated the agency’s “Conduct Unbecoming an Employee” policy, which prohibits behavior — on or off duty — that may discredit the agency, erode public trust, or affect morale. The policy specifically includes “internet/social media postings which misrepresent or bring discredit to the agency.”
The department has not yet disclosed what disciplinary action will be taken.
The sheriff’s office did release the incident report authored by Deputy Cronan; it referred readers to Deputy Abbott’s supplemental report for further detail about the reason for the initial contact.
Williams has been charged with two counts of obstruction. No other charges or findings concerning the use of force have been announced. The traffic camera footage and other evidence referenced in the report are part of the official case file.
Below is a screenshot of the incident report written by Deputy Cronan:
