Yet another high-ranking public official is facing felony charges over felony child abuse and harm to minors, raising urgent questions regarding why so many pedophiles are placed in positions of power.
James Edwin Yokeley Jr., 66, who until recently served as chair of the Surry County Board of Elections in North Carolina, has been indicted by a New Hanover County grand jury on two counts of unlawful distribution of food or beverage and one count of felony child abuse involving serious physical injury, according to court records reviewed by WBTV.
The charges stem from an August 2025 incident in Wilmington. According to the Wilmington Police Department, investigators allege Yokeley placed pills into Dairy Queen ice cream cones belonging to his 16-year-old step-granddaughter and her 15-year-old friend.
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The teens did not ingest the pills. After discovering foreign objects in their desserts, they contacted police.
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WECT reported that preliminary testing indicated the pills tested positive for MDMA and cocaine. However, the initial charges — including contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, felony child abuse, and drug possession — were dismissed on December 22 after laboratory testing later determined the substance was not controlled under North Carolina General Statutes.
Authorities say surveillance video reviewed during the investigation allegedly shows Yokeley placing pills into the ice cream.
Prosecutors subsequently presented the case to a grand jury, which returned the new indictment on revised charges.
At the time of his arrest, Yokeley was serving as chair of the Surry County Board of Elections. He resigned shortly after the allegations became public.
In his resignation letter, Yokeley described the allegations as false, writing:
“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.”
