Former Deputy found negligent in civil lawsuit for husband's death

GREENVILLE, N.C. - After two weeks of testimony a jury has found Former Pitt County Sheriff's Deputy, Michelle Pollard, negligent of her late husbands death.

It's been more than 5 years since Stacey Pollard died in his swimming pool.

Today though his widow, a former Pitt County Sheriff's Deputy, was found to be negligent in his death.

Barbara Pollard, Stacey's mom: “There's no amount of money can bring my son back.  All I ever wanted was for my son's death to be investigated and that justice would be done.”

In less than an hour a jury found Michelle Pollard negligent in her husband, Stacey's, death.

“We feel that we all came to a just and a fair decision.”

Mark Strickland, Jury Foreman: “She just didn't seem to the point that what she was saying made any sense.  We didn't think as far as her trying to be there for her husband and do the things that were necessary, especially with the CPR deal.”

Stacey's mother Barbara Pollard was awarded $500,000.  However, Michelle is in bankruptcy and her attorney tells me she's not going to be able to pay it.

Rich: “What are the odds the family is going to get any of that settlement?”

David Sutton, Barbara Pollard's Attorney: “Well she's in bankruptcy there some assets in bankruptcy. A possibility, if it's not recoverable of some other legal action.”

Which could be directed toward the Pitt County Sheriff's Office...

“And make no doubt about it, Mac Manning and that department covered up Stacey Pollard's death.”

Michelle Pollard did not want to talk to the media, but her mother did.  She says while a lot of Michelle's behavior was inappropriate, Stacey's death wasn't her fault. 

Vivian Mannix, Michelle's mother: “Michelle did not kill Stacey.  Michelle loved Stacey.

For Stacey's family…their mission is not over yet.

“I am still praying, I have prayed for 5 and a half years for this day to get here, if it takes 5 and a half more to get a conviction, I will pray.  I will never quit praying that that day will come.”

While this may seem like the end...it doesn't look like it will be.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. - After two weeks of testimony a jury has found Former Pitt County Sheriff's Deputy, Michelle Pollard, negligent of her late husbands death.

The question that was asked of the jury was "Did the defendant negligently, approximately cause Stacy’s death?"

Their response was "Yes."

Lawyers on both sides agreed to $500,000 in damages.

Nine On Your Side has a crew in the courtroom and will bring you the latest as it becomes available.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. - The civil lawsuit trial between former Pitt County deputy Michelle Pollard and her former mother-in-law continued today with opening statements from both sides.

In 2005 Pollard's husband, Stacey, was found dead in the couple's pool and his death was ruled accidental.

But Stacey's family says Michelle played a role in his death.

The prosecution says Pollard stated several conflicting accounts of what happened that night and brought up a $200,000 insurance payout as a possible motive.

The defense says the information the prosecuting attorney presented is one-sided and told jurors they would hear the truth from Pollard when she takes the stand.