Elect Todd -T.O.- Dunn Sheriff of Person County

03/11/2026

Before anything else is said about this tragic situation, please remember the human side of it.

A mother lost her son.
A wife lost her husband.
A child lost their father.

No matter the circumstances surrounding this death, there are loved ones left behind who are grieving and trying to make sense of a loss that can never truly be replaced. My thoughts and prayers are with this family during this unimaginable time.

During my recent, though unsuccessful, campaign for Sheriff, the issue of controlled substances in our community was something I took very seriously. It is not just a campaign topic to me — it is something that hits on a very personal level. The devastation drugs bring to families and communities is real, and it is happening right here in Person County.

This tragedy also raises serious questions that our community deserves answers to. Too often it appears that enforcement is reactive instead of proactive. An arrest after someone has already lost their life is not the outcome any community should accept. The goal should always be to identify and stop those distributing these dangerous drugs before another life is taken.

One question that should be asked is this: Had this suspect previously been reported to the Sheriff’s Office for selling drugs? If so, what action was taken?

Another question many in the community are asking is why we have not seen the type of large drug investigations or major drug busts here in Person County that we regularly see in surrounding counties and cities.

And perhaps the hardest question of all: If this unfortunate event had not occurred, would this dealer still be on the street today?

Person County families deserve proactive enforcement that targets those who profit from selling poison in our communities before tragedy strikes.

Please continue to keep this family in your prayers

03/08/2026

While I did not win the primary election, I had intended to delete this page. However, the outpouring of support, encouragement, and well wishes from so many of you has truly meant more to me than I can put into words. Because of that, I have decided to keep this page active through the general election.

I will continue to speak out for accountability and transparency in our sheriff’s office. I will also keep pushing for stronger action against the controlled substance crisis and for real help for those struggling with addiction who are too often pushed to the side by society.

To everyone who has supported me, reached out, or offered kind words — you have given me renewed confidence and self-esteem. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Your encouragement reminds me why this fight matters. Person County deserves leadership that serves the people with honesty, integrity, and compassion.

03/05/2026

Hello Everyone,

I made a statement last night about the election and I thought that would be my final election statement, however it was not to be. Today, I have been humbled by the outpouring of kind emails, texts and posts that I have seen and received. I am sincerely grateful for all those who have supported me and continue to do so. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

I will be taking a few months off to recharge, but I will be ready for November and will demand the issues of accountability, drug use, abuse, crime, jail security, training and budget be leading topics for the November election. Personal attacks by anyone and the spread of useless rumors serves no purpose and diminishes the integrity of the voting process. This primary election was a bellwether event. Change is needed and coming to our county. This March primary indicated our county voters are demanding change.

Our mission remains the same, and we can still work together to build a better county. This single setback will not decide the final outcome; there is more to come.

Humbly yours,

Todd O. Dunn

03/04/2026

Well it's been a long election. I would like to say thank you to all the well wishers and voters who supported me. I want the best for our county and will continue to work towards that end.

Thank you to my family and your support during these past several weeks. I look forward to the coming months and working towards better county leadership in the days ahead.

03/02/2026

Hello Neighbors,

With Election Day this Tuesday, March 3rd, I am reaching out to you one final time to ask for your support.

Throughout my campaign, I have shared my vision for the county. As your Sheriff, my priorities will include:

- Addressing Controlled Substances: I am committed to tackling substance abuse issues and partnering with harm reduction groups to provide support for those seeking help.
- Restoring Transparency: I will ensure that citizens have clear access to information regarding how tax dollars are spent, moving away from the resistance currently faced when requesting public information.
- Accountability and Standards: I will be directly accountable to you. Our deputies and detention officers will be held to the highest professional standards.
- Improving Jail Conditions: I will work to bring our facilities up to standard to ensure the safety and welfare of both officers and inmates.
- Restoring Integrity: I am dedicated to bringing morality and credibility back to an office that has suffered over the past four years, ensuring our county is respected by our neighbors once again.

If you have not already voted, I ask for your vote this Tuesday. I cannot achieve this vision without your help.

Thank you to everyone who has already cast their ballot. I look forward to your support as we move toward the general election in November.

We can get this DUNN!

Best regards,

Todd Dunn

03/02/2026

Please join me in praying for the brave American service members who were killed and injured in the recent attack involving Iran. As a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, these losses hit especially close to home. May God comfort their families and watch over those who continue to defend our freedom. Semper Fi. 🇺🇸🙏

We also lift up the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the families of the troopers we have lost in recent weeks. These men put on the uniform every day not knowing what they may face, all in service to protecting our communities.

Please keep all of our military members, law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families in your prayers.

God bless the United States of America, the great State of North Carolina, and the people of Person County. 🇺🇸

02/26/2026

Early Voting ends Saturday, 2/28.
Let’s get the VOTE OUT!

02/25/2026

This year we are all spending a little less due to our county assessments. Many households have been hit hard. Per capita income in Person County is estimated to be between $37,000 - $45,0000. Our poverty rate is between 14% - 17% depending upon where you look for this information. Last year we adopted an annual budget of $109,823, 546. In 2020 our adopted budget was approximately $62,000,000. That is a 44% increase in 5 years which included a sizable property tax increase.

Knowing all this I am determined to keep the Sheriff's Department budget under tight review. My plan is to work smarter, look at all positions, reduce redundancies, research needed grants for funding, maintain the current budget and not increase it with periodic BOC requests. Closed meetings to hide legal matters will end. The public needs to know where their dollars are going.

I learned recently the Sheriff's department is hiring one if not two additional positions. Why? We have officers in place who with proper training can transition into these responsibilities. Our hiring practices need to change within the department. Our expectations need to change too.

Leadership is lacking. Leadership is needed and must be an example to the department and the community which is being served. This is so important to our county. I will look at each line item of the budget and look for where I can save money, our money.
My goal is to trim the budget each year, not expand it.

02/21/2026

This is to clear up the continued misinformation by several individuals posting inaccurate information:

#1. My certification was revoked and inactive because I PERSONALLY have not recertified. I had no reason to recertify due to my current position.
#2. If elected I do not need a certification requirement to be Sheriff to carry a weapon. The law states:
• N.C.G.S. § 17E-11 — Certification requirements do not apply to a sheriff elected by the people.

• Article VII, Section 2 of the N.C. Constitution — Establishes the Office of Sheriff as a constitutional office.
• N.C.G.S. § 15A-401 — Provides statutory arrest authority.
#3. I have been happily married for 37+ years with no break in our vows.
#4. There is a camera in all patrol vehicles that cannot be shut off by the officer in the car.
#5. I was never charged with any crime.

I think it is sad that my opponent and his supporters are attacking me in such a manner in an effort to hurt my family and name.
The future use of civil litigation is a warning to those who wish to continue to spread such lies.

I intend to stay on the issues.
Thank you to all my supporters and have a good weekend. We have 10 more days and they are so VERY IMPORTANT!
ONWARD TO GET THIS JOB DUNN!!

02/21/2026

Dear Neighbors,

There are only six days left in early voting with the election being March third.

Over the last several weeks, I have shared my platform to you all, which focuses on accountability, departmental efficiencies,transparency, respect, the county's jail and addressing the controlled substance issues that
continue to negatively impact our community. My goals continue to be to provide real solutions to our community while also bringing a common sense approach to our Public Safety budget.

My stated priorities reflect the concerns I have heard from many of you.

One mother shared her fears for her three young boys because drugs have become so prevalent in our area. Others have expressed
frustration regarding the difficulty of obtaining information from the
Sheriff’s Office. They noted that even basic operational inquiries
require FOIA requests, which are often met with resistance or denial.

I hope I have earned your vote during this campaign. While some of these topics are difficult to discuss, they must be addressed. Our department was once respected by the public and other law enforcement agencies for being proactive and positive.

Unfortunately, over the past four years that reputation has been tarnished. If elected, I am committed to restoring that respect and ensuring our department is no longer the subject of negative headlines.

We live in a great county filled with people who care deeply for one
another, as shown by your generosity during the holidays and natural disasters. We all want the best for our parents, children, and
grandchildren. I want the same for my family, and if you choose me today, tomorrow or in the voting days ahead, I will not let you down.

I will get the job DUNN!

Sincerely,

Todd Dunn for Sheriff, 2026.

02/20/2026

A quick Friday note.

Yes, I do read FB and take time to comment. Sometimes it is the best way to communicate in a rural community. As I have commented in earlier posts I was an officer working within the Narcotics Unit several years ago. I did arrest people and they were not too happy with me. I see by reading some posts that some of these people are still not happy with me because I did my job at the time.

As a community we have a lot to do to improve the safety and security of our residents and to improve the daily operations of our county jail. My concentration at this time is on becoming Sheriff and bringing back respect to this office and to our officers who do so much for our community. Rumors take up too much time and needless effort. If you have questions please contact me directly, I am happy to address them.

Have a great weekend everyone, it has been a beautiful afternoon at the polls. The poll is closed this weekend and will reopen at the Board of Elections on Monday.

Rumors are always interesting, but they're seldom right.

Send a message to learn more

02/20/2026

Dear Citizens,

I am writing to address a recent WRAL media release regarding a Person County detention officer charged with bringing to***co and other substances into the detention center.

The media report also stated the officer allegedly possessed Suboxone strips, which are classified as a controlled substance under North Carolina statutes. This raises a critical question, why was this officer not charged with a felony? My additional research indicated the case involved three individuals, all of whom were alleged to have brought into the jail inmates methamphetamine.

Rather than facing charges, two of these individuals were given the option to resign. This situation highlights an ongoing pattern in which deputies are permitted to resign under certain circumstances that might otherwise lead to criminal charges for members of the public.

When considering ways to enhance jail security without additional funding, I recommend focusing on strengthening professional accountability. Officers and staff must be trained to recognize their responsibilities, failing to meet them will lead to job and personal consequences. Resignations to avoid personal and departmental accountability should not be tolerated.

I would also like to raise the question of why this incident was not reported to the news media until eight months after it took place. Reporting such information only when it is politically convenient is a disservice to the public.

I want to be clear: I will not hide information from you. My commitment is to be transparent to those I serve. I am committed to reporting information with transparency and without delay, regardless of personal interest.


Sincerely,

Todd Dunn

Candidate for Sheriff