In a shocking incident that has rocked Wilmington, North Carolina, James Edwin Yokeley Jr., a 66-year-old former chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections, was arrested on August 26, 2025, for allegedly placing illegal narcotics in Dairy Queen Blizzards purchased for his two granddaughters.
The case has garnered significant attention due to Yokeley’s prominent position in local politics and the serious nature of the charges, which include felony child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance. The allegations center around an incident on August 3, 2025, when Yokeley reportedly placed pills containing cocaine and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or molly) into the ice cream treats.
The Incident and Initial Report
On August 8, 2025, James Edwin Yokeley Jr. flagged down a police officer at a Sheetz gas station on Shipyard Boulevard in Wilmington, North Carolina, claiming that his two granddaughters, aged 15 and 16, had discovered “hard objects” in their Dairy Queen Blizzards purchased from the Oleander Drive location.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, James Edwin Yokeley reported that the girls found two blue pills in their ice cream, prompting him to seek immediate assistance from law enforcement and first responders who were already at the gas station. Medical personnel evaluated the two juveniles and confirmed that neither had ingested the substances, ensuring no immediate harm had occurred.
The pills were seized by police and subjected to preliminary field testing, which indicated the presence of illegal narcotics, specifically cocaine and MDMA. The substances were subsequently sent to a state laboratory for further confirmatory testing. At the time, Yokeley’s report suggested that the contamination may have occurred at the Dairy Queen, casting suspicion on the establishment.
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However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the Dairy Queen, which allegedly showed Yokeley himself placing the pills into the Blizzards before handing them to his granddaughters. The owner of the Dairy Queen, Sarah Whisenant, clarified that James Edwin Yokeley had entered the store on August 3, just as it was closing, to order the Blizzards.
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Only four staff members were on duty, and Whisenant emphasized that none of her employees were involved in the incident. She noted that the police requested security camera footage on August 8, which proved instrumental in identifying Yokeley as the individual responsible for the contamination. The Dairy Queen has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has cooperated fully with the investigation.
Investigation and Charges
The Wilmington Police Department’s investigation quickly shifted focus to James Edwin Yokeley after the surveillance footage came to light. The video reportedly captured Yokeley looking around and over his shoulder before placing the pills into the ice cream, suggesting an attempt to avoid detection. Lieutenant Greg Willett of the Wilmington Police Department described the footage, noting that Yokeley appeared to be observing whether anyone was watching him as he placed the objects into the Blizzards. This evidence contradicted Yokeley’s initial claim that the pills were already in the ice cream when purchased.
On August 26, 2025, Yokeley was arrested and charged with multiple felonies: two counts of contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, felony child abuse, and possession of a Schedule I narcotic. He was booked into the New Hanover County Detention Center and released after posting a $100,000 secured bond.
Yokeley appeared in court on August 27, where he waived his right to a court-appointed attorney. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 11, 2025, and he has not yet entered a plea. The investigation remains ongoing, with police indicating that further lab results are pending to confirm the exact composition of the pills.
The motive behind Yokeley’s alleged actions remains unclear, as the Wilmington Police Department has not publicly disclosed any potential reasons for the contamination. The fact that Yokeley was acting as the guardian for his granddaughters during the weekend of the incident adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about his intentions and the circumstances leading up to the event.
Resignation and Public Reaction
Yokeley’s arrest sent shockwaves through Surry County, where he served as the chairman of the Board of Elections, a position he was appointed to in June 2025 by State Auditor Dave Boliek. Following the charges, Boliek publicly called for Yokeley’s resignation, describing the allegations as “disturbing” and emphasizing the need for accountability in a position of public trust. On August 28, 2025, just hours before an emergency meeting of the State Board of Elections to address the situation, Yokeley submitted his resignation letter.
In his resignation letter, Yokeley maintained his innocence, stating that his decision to step down was made “after much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and consultation” and was in the best interest of the Surry County and State Boards of Elections. He described the charges as “falsely accused circumstances” and expressed confidence that he would be “exonerated of all accusations levied against me.” Yokeley also highlighted his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, underscoring his pride in the work accomplished during his tenure.
The incident has sparked significant public concern, particularly given James Edwin Yokeley’s role as a public official tasked with overseeing election integrity in Surry County. His political activities, which reportedly included anti-vaccine rhetoric and claims that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent, have further fueled debate about his character and judgment. The case has also raised broader questions about child safety and the responsibilities of guardians, as well as the potential impact on public trust in local institutions.
The State Board of Elections has announced plans to appoint a new Surry County chair as soon as possible, with nominations to come from the North Carolina Republican Party. In the meantime, officials have stressed that election operations will continue without disruption. However, the incident has heightened scrutiny of election officials at a time when public confidence in electoral processes is already under strain.
The case has also drawn attention to the issue of child safety, with many expressing relief that the granddaughters did not ingest the contaminated Blizzards. The fact that the pills were discovered before consumption likely prevented a potentially dangerous outcome, given the serious health risks associated with cocaine and MDMA, especially for minors. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the role of surveillance technology in uncovering truth in complex cases.
As the legal process unfolds, the case against James Edwin Yokeley Jr. will likely continue to generate discussion about accountability, trust, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. While Yokeley maintains his innocence, the evidence presented by the Wilmington Police Department, particularly the surveillance footage, will be critical in determining the outcome of the case. For now, the community of Wilmington and Surry County awaits further developments, grappling with the unsettling reality of a trusted figure allegedly engaging in such serious misconduct.