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The Franklin Police Department responded to a call at the Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center on Saturday evening, Nov. 26, and reportedly arrested a deputy U.S. marshal on the charges of drunk in public and disorderly conduct.

A Monday morning, Nov. 28, FPD news release noted it was at 6:40 p.m. on Saturday that the department responded to a call regarding a disturbance/person with a gun at the hospital on 100 Fairview Drive in Franklin.

Police said that upon arrival of officers and after further investigation, Jeffery Nance, currently employed as a deputy U.S. marshal, was arrested on the two aforementioned charges.

Nance was transported to the Suffolk Magistrates Office where he was booked on the charges and issued $2,000 unsecured bond, the release added. Nance was released to the custody of the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. 

Barry Lane, of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Office of Public Affairs, shared an official statement from the service with The Tidewater News on Monday morning.

“The U.S. Marshals Service is aware of the arrest of Deputy U.S. Marshal Jeffery Nance and the alleged charge against him,” Lane said. “We are cooperating fully with the City of Franklin Police Department’s investigation of the incident. 

“We take seriously any allegation of misconduct by our personnel and an internal investigation will be conducted,” Lane continued. “The alleged actions of this employee do not reflect the core values of the U.S. Marshals Service; therefore, Nance has been relieved of his operational duties.”

Emma Swann, director of public relations and communications for Bon Secours Mercy Health, also shared a statement with The Tidewater News on behalf of Southampton Medical Center.

“Hospitals are places of healing and compassionate care, where health, well-being and human dignity are honored and valued,” she said. “The safety and security of our patients, visitors and employees is a top priority for Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital. Bon Secours immediately contacted City of Franklin Police Department upon the onset of the disturbance, and hospital security and administration worked closely with law enforcement to bring this matter to a safe conclusion.”

The FPD release noted that the investigation is still ongoing.

If anyone has information about this incident or other criminal activity within the city of Franklin, they are asked to call Franklin Police at 757-562-8575, Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-516-7100, or contact the FPD online at p3tips.com. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.