The 66-year-old chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections resigned Thursday after he was arrested on charges of putting illegal drugs in his granddaughters’ ice cream at a North Carolina Dairy Queen.
James Edwin Yokeley Jr. stepped down from his position immediately after being charged with contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance and felony child abuse, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections and the Wilmington Police Department.
Medical professionals examined both children and determined they had not eaten any of the substances. Officers took the pills, and preliminary field tests found that the objects were illegal narcotics. The substances have been forwarded to the state laboratory for further testing.
The investigation took an unexpected turn when detectives reviewed video footage from the scene, finding that Yokeley himself had placed the pills into both of his granddaughters’ ice cream.
After he was arrested, Yokeley was taken to the New Hanover County Detention Center and posted a $100,000 secured bond.
The charges prompted immediate concern from election officials.
“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,” Yokeley wrote.
The former chairman said he was confident in his eventual vindication, stating in the letter: “Based on the truth and facts, I remain prayerfully confident that I will be exonerated of all accusations levied against me.”
Yokeley had served on the Surry County Board of Elections since July 2023, when he was first appointed as a member. He was elevated to chairman earlier this year.
In his resignation letter, Yokeley reflected on his time serving, writing that he had been “honored to serve a board guided by fairness, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the Constitutional Republic process.” He said he was happy with the board’s accomplishments in serving Surry County citizens and North Carolina residents.
State Auditor Dave Boliek confirmed receipt of the resignation, according to his office’s press release. Boliek had previously called for Yokeley’s resignation.
“As I had called for, the Chair of the Surry County Board of Elections has resigned,” Boliek stated. “With his resignation, the Surry County Board and State Board can now, without distraction, move forward with the process of appointing a replacement.”
The investigation by Wilmington police continues as laboratory results are pending to confirm the exact nature of the substances allegedly placed in the ice cream.
