News Summary
James Yokeley Jr., the chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections, has resigned after being arrested for allegedly drugging his granddaughters’ ice cream. The incident, which involved illegal narcotics, has sparked outrage and prompted calls for accountability. Yokeley’s resignation comes amidst an ongoing police investigation as community leaders emphasize the importance of safeguarding children’s well-being. The North Carolina State Board of Elections will appoint a new chair while the case raises serious questions about trust and responsibility.
Breaking News: Elections Chair Resigns After Shocking Drug Incident
In a troubling twist of events, James Yokeley Jr., the chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections, has resigned following a serious arrest. The 66-year-old found himself in the hot seat after he was accused of allegedly drugging his granddaughters’ ice cream. The shocking incident took place on August 8, 2025, making headlines and prompting swift action.
What Happened?
The drama unfolded when Yokeley, while acting as guardian for his two granddaughters for the weekend, flagged down a police officer at a Sheetz gas station. He reported a bizarre and alarming discovery made by the girls: pills found inside their ice creams, which they had purchased from a Dairy Queen. Thankfully, the granddaughters did not ingest the pills. Authorities arrived on the scene to investigate what had transpired.
Police Investigation
Following the alarming report, police conducted a thorough examination. Preliminary tests on the pills indicated that they contained illegal narcotics, specifically MDMA and cocaine. Evidence from video footage suggested that Yokeley was seen placing the drugs into the ice cream. The implications of these findings were serious, leading to urgent action from law enforcement.
Charges and Consequences
As a result of the investigation, Yokeley found himself facing multiple serious charges, including contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, felony child abuse, and possession of a Schedule I narcotic. After his arrest, he was taken to the New Hanover County Detention Center, where he was later released after posting a secured bond of $100,000.
Response from Authorities
In the wake of these shocking events, State Auditor Dave Boliek called for Yokeley’s resignation, emphasizing the importance of focusing on election management in the area. Following strong pressure and public scrutiny, Yokeley submitted his resignation on August 28, 2025. In his resignation letter, he expressed confidence that he would eventually be exonerated, even as the gravity of the situation looms large.
The Board’s Next Steps
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has confirmed Yokeley’s resignation, effective immediately. They also indicated that a new chair would be appointed once nominations are submitted by the state Republican Party. With Yokeley’s sudden departure, the board is facing a crucial period as they work to ensure smooth election management amidst these troubling developments.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind Yokeley’s alleged actions. The case has left many in the community shocked and bewildered, raising questions about the circumstances that led to such dangerous behavior. The safety and well-being of the community’s children remain a top priority as authorities dig deeper into the situation.
Conclusion
This unsettling incident underscores the importance of accountability, especially for someone in a position of such public trust. With the investigation still ongoing, many will be watching closely as more details unfold in this shocking case. The hope remains that Yokeley’s granddaughters are safe and protected, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in safeguarding our youth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WRAL News
- Carolina Journal
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
- NBC News
- Google Search: James Yokeley NC elections drug incident
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
