As WBTV reported, a man has filed a lawsuit naming Watauga County and Boone Police Chief Daniel Duckworth. The legal action outlines serious allegations of police chief interfering with child protective services investigation. Amid these developments, court records indicate that a judge granted temporary emergency custody to a co-parent by a judge.
The lawsuit places scrutiny on local municipal and county authorities regarding how child welfare cases and inter-agency communications are managed. In response to inquiries regarding the court filing, Watauga County manager Deron Geouque provided email comment on pending litigation outlining the county's position. Addressing the constraints faced by local officials, Deron Geouque told WBTV, "Because this matter involves pending litigation and potentially confidential child protective services information, we are limited in what we can publicly discuss."
Furthermore, Watauga County manager Deron Geouque addressed the broader administrative stance on the department's operations and child protection standards. Speaking on the matter, Deron Geouque told WBTV, "We take matters involving the safety and welfare of children, as well as the integrity of our investigative processes, very seriously." The legal proceedings involving Watauga County and Boone Police Chief Daniel Duckworth continue to unfold as local officials navigate the public disclosures permitted under ongoing litigation guidelines.
