NC Republican James Edwin Yokeley Jr. Accused of Spiking Grandkids’ Ice Cream with Molly And Cocaine

An NC Republican county election official has resigned. Authorities have charged James Edwin Yokeley Jr. with placing illegal drugs in his grandchildren’s ice cream. The incident happened on August 8, 2025.

The police report says Yokeley had flagged down an officer at a local gas station. He stated that his grandchildren had discovered “two hard objects” in the Dairy Queen Blizzards he had purchased.

Police later obtained video footage that showed Yokeley placing the pills into the ice cream.

Police also conducted a field test. They determined the pills contained MDMA and cocaine. A crime laboratory later confirmed those findings.

The Wilmington Police Department stated medical personnel evaluated the juveniles. They concluded the girls did not ingest the substances.

Police booked Yokeley into the New Hanover County Detention Center. A judge released him on a $100,000 secured bond.

NC Republican Resigns

Surry County Board of Elections Chair James Edwin Yokeley Jr. resigned citing “falsely accused circumstances.” However, other Republicans in North Carolina called for him to quit for a nearly a month. 

Police have taken him into custody and charged with felony child abuse and drug possession. In addition, police have charged him with contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance. 

State Auditor Dave Boliek’s office stated Yokely resigned at 11:44 am on August 28th. In a statement, Yokeley said:

“I am writing to formally resign from my position as Board Chair with the Surry County Board of Elections, effective immediately.”

He also stated:

“This decision has not been made lightly. After much prayer, thoughtful reflection and consultation, I have concluded that it’s in the best interest of the State Board of Elections and Surry County Board of Elections, regarding my own falsely accused circumstances, to step down at this time. Based on the truth and facts, I remain prayerfully confident that I will be exonerated of all accusations levied against me.”

The State appointed Yokeley to the Surry County Board of Elections in July 2023. His colleagues elected him to chairman earlier this year.

State Auditor Dave Boliek also publicly called for his resignation in a press release issued August 28.

Boliek stated:

“The arrest and investigation of the Surry County Board of Elections Chair is very disturbing. This matter distracts from election management in Surry County and must be addressed quickly and directly. He needs to resign, and Surry County needs a new Board of Elections Chair. If he doesn’t resign, I’ll be requesting the State Board take action today to remove him as Chair.”