JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Protesters gathered on the steps of Jacksonville City Hall Tuesday, demanding justice and accountability in the death of Charles Faggart, a well-known local chef and father who died earlier this month after suffering injuries while in the Duval County jail.

Faggart, 31, died days after an April 7 incident at the jail involving nine corrections employees who have been stripped of their authority.

 The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released a heavily redacted incident report and asked the FBI to assist with the ongoing inquiry.

Dozens attended Tuesday’s demonstration, holding signs reading “Release the redacted” and chanting “Justice for Charles.” 

Many called on the City Council to intervene and ensure transparency in the investigation.

“My son no longer has a voice, so I am his voice, and I will not stop fighting until something is done,” said Tracey Karpas, Faggart’s mother. “He was a pillar in this community, and they took him from not only me but his brothers, his family, and everybody that loved him.”

Community activists criticized the lack of information in the JSO’s report. According to the released documents, Faggart was being escorted to his cell when officers said he exhibited “aggressive, erratic and disruptive behavior.” He was restrained in a safety chair for about two hours and. The report also notes that medical staff evaluated him and that he was later transported to a hospital, where he died days later.

“He’s just like anyone who’s going to be watching this segment,” Samuel Hunter of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee said. “He had hopes and dreams and aspirations and JSO stripped that from him and stripped him from his family.”

JSO says it is continuing to work with federal and local agencies to gain a complete understanding of the facts and circumstances that led to the death of Charles Faggart. 

Faggart’s family and supporters say they will continue to push for answers and accountability. 

“I have no answers. I have nothing. My attorneys can’t even get answers,” Karpas said. “I swore that on my son over his brain dead body. I will not stop fighting until something is done.”