Alleged Drugging at Dairy Queen: A Devastating Breach of Trust
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A disturbing case has shaken North Carolina after 66-year-old James Edwin Yokeley Jr., former chair of the c, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies for allegedly placing narcotics in desserts consumed by minors.
The Incident
On August 3, Yokeley approached a Wilmington police officer claiming that his step-granddaughter, 16, and her 15-year-old friend had found two unidentified pills in their Dairy Queen Blizzards purchased from the Oleander Drive location. Medical personnel later confirmed that neither teenager ingested the pills. Field testing revealed the substances contained MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and cocaine.
Surveillance Evidence and Charges
Investigators reviewed security footage from the Dairy Queen and allege that Yokeley himself placed the pills into the desserts. He was arrested and charged with two counts of contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, felony child abuse, and felony possession of Schedule I narcotics. Yokeley was released on a $100,000 secured bond and is under a no-contact order with the minors involved.
Political Fallout
Yokeley, appointed in June 2025 to lead the Surry County Board of Elections, faced immediate calls for his resignation following the arrest. State Auditor Dave Boliek, who had appointed Yokeley, condemned the allegations and said the situation had created an unacceptable distraction during a critical election cycle. Yokeley resigned from his position on August 28, and the State Board of Elections canceled an emergency meeting that had been scheduled to address his status.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have confirmed that comprehensive lab testing of the drugs is still underway, though initial tests have already verified the presence of controlled substances. The case remains active, and additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Summary Table
| Issue | Status |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 3, 2025 — Pills found in Dairy Queen Blizzards |
| Alleged Behavior | Suspect accused of placing MDMA and cocaine into desserts |
| Charges Filed | Contamination of food/drink, felony child abuse, felony drug possession |
| Bond | $100,000 secured bond; no contact with minors |
| Political Role | Chair, Surry County Board of Elections (appointed June 2025) |
| Resignation | Resigned August 28, 2025 |
| Lab Testing | Field tests confirmed drugs; awaiting lab confirmation |
