5 Shocking Revelations About James Yokeley And The Surry County Felony Case

The arrest and subsequent resignation of James Edwin Yokeley Jr., the former Chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections, sent shockwaves through the North Carolina political and judicial landscape in mid-2025. The case, which involves allegations of felony child abuse and contaminating food with controlled substances, remains one of the most high-profile legal matters to emerge from the region in recent memory, with ongoing legal proceedings as of December 17, 2025.

This deep dive provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the man at the center of the controversy, the specific charges he faces, and the timeline of events that led to his dramatic fall from a position of public trust. The details of the case, involving two minors and powerful illicit drugs, have captivated and disturbed the public, raising serious questions about the security and well-being of children under the care of trusted family members.

James Edwin Yokeley Jr.: Biography and Political Profile

Before the shocking allegations surfaced, James Edwin Yokeley Jr.—often known by his nickname, "Jimmy"—was a prominent figure in Surry County, North Carolina, particularly within the local Republican political establishment. His career was focused on civic duty and the integrity of the electoral process, making the nature of the charges all the more jarring.

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• Full Name: James Edwin Yokeley Jr.
• Common Name/Nickname: "Jimmy" Yokeley.
• Age: 66 years old (at the time of the 2025 arrest).
• Primary Residence: Surry County, North Carolina.
• Political Affiliation: Republican Party.
• Former Public Office: Chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections.
• Term of Appointment: He was selected to serve as Chair for the 2025-2027 term.
• Resignation Date: Submitted his resignation in August 2025, effective immediately, following his arrest.
• Location of Incident/Arrest: The alleged crimes and subsequent arrest occurred in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina.

Yokeley's role as the Board of Elections Chair placed him in a critical position overseeing local elections, a fact that amplified the public interest and scrutiny following his arrest on felony charges. His sudden resignation was a direct consequence of the serious allegations brought against him by the Wilmington Police Department (WPD).

The Shocking Details of the Alleged Crime and Arrest

The criminal case against James Yokeley Jr. stems from an incident that reportedly occurred in Wilmington, North Carolina, in July 2025. The details released by law enforcement are disturbing and center on the alleged drugging of his own family members, specifically his two granddaughters.

The Initial Discovery and Police Alert

The investigation began when Yokeley himself initially contacted the Wilmington Police Department on August 8, 2025, to report that his granddaughters had found a suspicious substance. However, as police began their investigation, video footage and other evidence allegedly pointed directly back to Yokeley as the perpetrator.

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The evidence suggested that Yokeley had allegedly mixed controlled substances into the ice cream of his two granddaughters, one of whom was a 16-year-old step-granddaughter. The victims were minors, which automatically elevated the severity of the potential charges.

The Controlled Substances Involved

Testing of the contaminated food allegedly revealed the presence of two powerful and illegal controlled substances: MDMA and Cocaine. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a Schedule I controlled substance in North Carolina, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The combination of these drugs, especially administered unknowingly to minors, formed the basis for the serious felony charges.

Legal Charges and Current Case Status

The Wilmington Police Department formally arrested James Edwin Yokeley Jr. and brought forth a slate of felony charges that reflect the gravity of the alleged actions. The charges are being prosecuted in New Hanover County, where the incident occurred.

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The Specific Felony Charges

Yokeley faces multiple serious felony counts, which include:

• Felony Child Abuse Causing Serious Injury: This is the most severe charge, indicating that the actions allegedly caused a serious physical or mental injury to the minors.
• Two Counts of Contaminating Food or Drink with a Controlled Substance: These counts relate directly to the alleged act of spiking the granddaughters' ice cream with MDMA and cocaine.
• Felony Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance: This charge is for the possession of the MDMA, a highly restricted drug.

The combination of these charges paints a picture of a severe breach of trust and a direct endangerment of the children's lives. The term "contaminating food/drink" is a specific legal statute used in cases where a substance is placed into food or drink with the intent to injure or impair.

Resignation and Bond Status

Following his arrest, Yokeley quickly resigned from his public office as the Surry County Board of Elections Chair. His resignation was submitted on August 29, 2025, to the State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and was effective immediately.

Since his arrest, Yokeley was released from custody after posting bond. The court has since addressed and modified his bond conditions, which typically include restrictions on contact with the alleged victims and monitoring requirements to ensure public safety and his appearance at future court dates. As of late 2025, the case is moving through the New Hanover County court system, with no public reports of a final plea or verdict, meaning the legal battle is ongoing.

The Impact on Surry County and Public Trust

The scandal surrounding James Yokeley Jr. has had a significant impact beyond the immediate family involved. The incident raised critical concerns about the vetting process for public officials and the integrity of those holding positions of power in Surry County.

Erosion of Public Confidence

As the Chair of the Board of Elections, Yokeley was entrusted with one of the most fundamental aspects of democracy: ensuring fair and accurate elections. The felony charges, particularly those involving such a heinous act against minors, led to a swift erosion of public confidence in his character and, by extension, in the Surry County Board of Elections itself.

His immediate resignation was a necessary step to mitigate further damage to the institution. The State Board of Elections (NCSBE) had to quickly appoint a replacement to ensure the continuity and security of the county's electoral operations.

The Role of Wilmington Police and New Hanover County

The fact that a Surry County official was arrested in New Hanover County (Wilmington) highlights the collaborative nature of law enforcement in the state. The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) handled the investigation and arrest, demonstrating a commitment to pursuing justice regardless of the suspect's political position or county of residence.

The case serves as a stark reminder that allegations of child abuse and drug-related crimes are treated with the utmost seriousness by the North Carolina judicial system, with public figures held to account just as any other citizen would be. The legal proceedings in New Hanover County are highly anticipated, as the outcome will determine the full legal consequences for the former Surry County Board of Elections Chair.