Sheriff gives $2K to fired deputy

NewsChannel 3 has learned New Hanover County Sheriff Sid Causey gave $2,000 to former deputy Chris Long. Causey says he gave Long $1,000 from his campaign funds December 12, 2006. That was four days after Causey fired Long in the wake of the Peyton Strickland shooting. The sheriff says he wanted to give Long money so Long's two children could have a good Christmas. The Board of Elections says Causey did not break any laws by giving Long campaign funds. Causey also tells NewsChannel 3 he gave Long $1,000 dollars from his personal account. Meanwhile, the family of Peyton Strickland has started a fund in his honor at the Hill Center in Durham. A family spokesperson says they have raise as much as $40,000 dollars for the fund. Tuesday, NewsChannel 3 asked Causey if he planned to donate to the Strickland fund. He said he did not know enough about it to comment.