Former North Carolina Election Official Accused of Slipping MDMA and Cocaine Into Teen’s Dairy Queen Blizzard
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A former North Carolina election official has been accused of contaminating Dairy Queen Blizzards with illegal drugs, leading to multiple felony charges and his resignation from the Surry County Board of Elections.
Video Allegedly Shows Pills Dropped Into Ice Cream
Police said James Edwin Yokeley Jr., 66, was captured on video slipping pills into two Blizzards he bought for his 16-year-old step-granddaughter and her friend. The teens discovered “hard objects” in their ice cream while parked at a Sheetz gas station on August 3, where they flagged down nearby EMS personnel.
Tests confirmed the pills contained cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy). Fortunately, the girls did not ingest the drugs and were treated on site.
“In the course of the investigation, video footage showed Yokeley putting the pills into the desserts,” Wilmington police said during a press conference.
Charges and Arrest
Yokeley faces charges of felony child abuse, contaminating food with a controlled substance, and possession of narcotics. He was booked into the New Hanover County Detention Center and later released on a $100,000 bond.
The incident has shocked residents, given Yokeley’s role as a former Republican candidate for the Surry County Board of Education and his recent position as chair of the county election board.
Resignation From Election Board
Earlier this week, Yokeley submitted a resignation letter to state officials, insisting he was innocent.
“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.
Community Reaction
Local parents expressed alarm over the allegations. “It’s terrifying to think that someone in that position of trust could be accused of harming kids in such a way,” one Wilmington resident said.
Others pointed out the irony that Yokeley had campaigned on moral and family issues in past elections.
Do you believe stricter vetting is needed for state-appointed election officials in North Carolina? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
