Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, NC

09/11/2026

Today, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office joins our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

We honor the innocent lives taken and the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military members, dispatchers, and countless others who responded with extraordinary courage and selflessness.

We also remember the strength and unity that followed as communities across our nation came together.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the staff at Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office ask our community to join us in remembering the fallen, honoring the heroes, and keeping their families in our thoughts.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/08/2026

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office K9 Rocky has received donation of body armor.

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, NC - K9 Rocky has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rocky’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,631 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit, Drug Unit Net 14 Arrests in the past month.

Over the past 30 days, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit, and Drug Unit have arrested 14 individuals throughout Beaufort County on felony drug charges.

Illicit drugs seized off the street as a result of these arrests include 13 grams of Fentanyl, 3.5 grams of Methamphetamine, 38.5 grams of Co***ne, 65 grams of Ma*****na, 550 M**A (Ecstasy) pills, and two fi****ms. The 13 grams of fentanyl seized represents approximately 6,500 potentially lethal doses.

Those charged with felony crimes are identified as:
36-year-old Samantha Darlene Smith of Edward NC
- Felony Possession of Fentanyl.
Samantha was held under a $10,000 secured bond.

35-year-old Billy Wayne Winstead of Chocowinity NC
- Felony Possession of Methamphetamine.
Billy was held under a $5,000 secured bond.

28-year-old Unique Isaiah Kentwan Windley of Raleigh NC
- Possession with Intent to Sell/Manufacture/Deliver Co***ne
- Possession with Intent to Sell/Manufacture/Deliver Ma*****na.
Unique was held under a $10,000 secured bond.

36-year-old Derrick Octavius Scott of Washington NC
- Two counts of Trafficking M**A
- Possession of Fi***rm by Felon
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Ma*****na
Derrick was held under a $175,000 secured bond.

24-year-old Salvador Olmos Sanchez of Washington NC
- Three counts of Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Co***ne
Salvador was held under a $45,000 secured bond.

35-year-old Bradley Ray Coward of Washington NC
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Co***ne
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Ma*****na
Bradley was held under no bond.

27-year-old David Alfonso Gonzalez of Washington NC
- Felony Possession of Fentanyl
David was held under a $5,000 secured bond.

44-year-old Stephon Orlando Moore of Greenville NC
- Felony Possession of M**A
Stephon was held under a $10,000 secured bond.

26-year-old Tajmal Amari Peele of Washington NC
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Schedule IV within 1,000 feet of a school
Tajmal was held under a $75,000 secured bond.

45-year-old Sabrina Ann Jones of Edward NC
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Fentanyl
- Felony Possession of Fentanyl
Sabrina was held under no bond.

27-year-old Devin Thomas Sparks of Washington NC
- Possession of Fi***rm by Felon
- Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
Devin was held under no bond.

27-year-old Jonie Lee-Shay Howard of Greenville NC
- Two counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl
Jonie was held under no bond.

25-year-old Simaya Makayla Pope of Chocowinity NC
- Trafficking in Fentanyl
Simaya was held under no bond.

43-year-old David Allen Miller Jr of Washington NC
- Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
David was held under a $3,000 secured bond.

The presence of illicit drugs in our communities extends far beyond the individuals involved in their possession or distribution. These substances can create serious health and safety hazards for families, children, neighbors, and the community as a whole. They can also place law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders at risk when responding to calls, conducting investigations, or encountering unknown substances in the course of their duties.

Every illegal drug removed from our communities helps reduce the potential for accidental exposure, drug-related crime, and other dangerous situations that can impact innocent residents and those who respond to protect them.

Sheriff Hammonds encourages anyone with information regarding suspected drug sale/use or any other crime to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip by downloading the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office App and selecting Submit A Tip.

09/04/2026

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Office will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Normal administrative operations will resume Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

As always, our Deputies, Detention Officers, and Telecommunicators remain on duty to serve and protect Beaufort County.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the staff of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/03/2026

BEAUFORT COUNTY SHERIFF SCOTT HAMMONDS OFFERS LABOR DAY TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Labor Day holiday weekend often means heavy traffic on roadways, and increased risk for traffic accidents. Sheriff Hammonds offers a reminder that you can reduce this risk and keep yourself and others safe on the roadways by following some simple safety tips.

The most important reminder is to always stay vigilant and alert at all times when on the road! Being observant can help you anticipate the actions of other drivers, avoiding collisions or other mishaps whenever possible. Before you embark on a holiday road trip, Sheriff Hammonds asks that members of the community remember these simple tips:

• Before you hit the road, double check that all car seats and booster seats are properly installed and secure in the vehicle.
• Seatbelts are a requirement, not an option! All passengers must wear a seatbelt. It’s the law!
• While driving, make sure to shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Conditions can change in the blink of an eye.
• Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
• Obey posted speed limits at all times. Speeding endangers you and other drivers.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave. The late summer months can unexpectedly bring heavy rain and strong winds, so be prepared for these types of conditions on the road.
• Never follow another vehicle too closely. Remember that as your speed increases, you will need extra time to bring your vehicle to a stop.
• Never drive drowsy. On long trips, be sure to take frequent breaks or switch drivers when you get tired.

“I want everyone to enjoy the unofficial ‘last weekend of summer.’ So, everyone, please be courteous to other drivers,” Sheriff Hammonds added. “Simple road rage incidents can escalate quickly, sometimes becoming violent. Don’t ruin your holiday weekend because of a disagreement with another driver. Safer roads in Beaufort County start with you!”

09/02/2026

HEAT SAFETY | A.C.E. OF HEARTS INITIATIVE

With hot temperatures impacting Beaufort County, Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourage everyone to take precautions during periods of extreme heat.

Through our A.C.E. of Hearts Initiative, we remain committed to protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community — Animals, Children, and the Elderly.

During extreme heat, please remember:

ANIMALS — Provide plenty of fresh water and shade, limit activity during the hottest part of the day, and never leave a pet unattended inside a vehicle.

CHILDREN — Keep children hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity, and never leave a child unattended in a vehicle — even for a short period of time.

ELDERLY — Check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors. Make sure they have access to water, air conditioning, or another cool environment.

For everyone, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from the heat, and know the warning signs of heat-related illness.

A simple check-in can make a difference.

09/01/2026

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Julia Morris was sworn in as a telecommunicator.

Congratulations and welcome to the team!

08/27/2026

A Message from the Sheriff.

Beaufort County Sheriff Scott Hammonds would like to inform the public that he does not endorse Safe Haven Roofing and Renovations, nor any other business offering home repair or renovation services in Beaufort County. This company has told residents that they were cleared and approved by Sheriff Hammonds to do work in the area. This information is not true.

Sheriff Hammonds encourages all residents to conduct their own due diligence when selecting a contractor or home repair company. Before hiring any business, residents should research the company, check references, verify licensing and insurance, and obtain multiple estimates when possible.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office remains committed to keeping citizens informed and encouraging consumers to make well-informed decisions when choosing service providers.

08/27/2026

Suicidal Subject Taken into Custody Without Incident.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2026 at approximately 8:33 a.m. the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on Wi******er Drive in Washington for a report of a male subject who was suicidal and armed with a handgun.

Prior to the arrival of deputies, the subject left the residence on foot. Deputies from the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Division responded to the call, and with the use of a drone, began searching for the individual.

During the incident, deputies established contact with the subject by telephone and worked diligently to ensure a safe resolution. As a result of their efforts, the subject was located and taken into custody without incident. The individual was subsequently served with an Order for Involuntary Commitment and transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds praised the coordinated response and professionalism displayed by personnel involved in the incident.

"I commend the deputies, investigators, and detectives for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to preserving life throughout this incident," said Sheriff Hammonds. "Their efforts resulted in a safe outcome for everyone involved."

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all residents while responding with compassion and professionalism to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.