Yesterday, Sheriff Scott Hammonds and Lieutenant Salinas joined community members at Harvest Church for the National Day of Prayer. Additional staff members from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office were also honored to attend this meaningful event alongside fellow citizens, faith leaders, and public servants. The National Day of Prayer serves as a time for communities to come together in unity, reflection, and support for our nation, first responders, military personnel, edu

Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office want to remind citizens to use caution when buying or selling items through Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms. Scammers often use fake profiles, misleading listings, unusual payment requests, or pressure tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers and sellers. Before making a purchase, verify the seller, avoid sending money before seeing the item, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to

This week, Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize and honor our detention officers during National Correctional Officers Week. Detention officers play a vital role in the safety, security, and daily operations of our detention facility. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to service often go unseen, but their impact is felt every day. We thank our detention officers for their hard work, sacrifice, and continued service

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal partners, proudly completed Leg 6 of the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Carolina. Law enforcement officers throughout North Carolina are carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope across the state throughout April and May. Traveling from six different points and spanning more than 2,000 miles, the relays will culminate on Friday, May 29, with the Circle of Honor an

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has received another report of a scam involving parking and toll violations. The scammers are attempting to get victims to scan a QR code to settle unpaid fees. We have included images in this post of text messages and photos we have received. Though this document looks official, it is yet another attempt to scam you out of your hard-earned money. Don't take the bait. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to y

On April 2, 2026, at approximately 9:19 pm, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, along with Bunyan Fire Department, Pinetown Fire Department, Old Ford Fire Department, Chocowinity Fire Department, Bath Fire Department, and North Carolina Forestry Service, responded to the 500 block of Homeplace Road in Washington, NC, regarding a structure fire. The structure was fully engulfed, with fire spreading into the surrounding area. Fire personnel advised that the building was

In the May 2026 newsletter, Sheriff Scott Hammonds highlights how the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to significant incidents in April while remaining actively engaged in our schools and community events. You will also find practical tips for boating and water safety as we approach the summer season, as well as information on upcoming community activities, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run, local festivals, and charitable fundraisers throughout Beaufort Coun

We were honored to participate in Career Day at Bath Elementary School. Our team enjoyed talking with students about what deputies do each day, the importance of public safety, and how they can prepare now for future careers. Thank you to the staff and students at Bath Elementary for allowing us to invest in Beaufort County’s future leaders.

On April 29, 2026, at approximately 2:30 am, deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Rest Area in Chocowinity regarding a report of an individual being stabbed. Upon arrival, deputies learned the altercation began as a verbal argument between a boyfriend and girlfriend. The argument escalated to a physical altercation. During the altercation, the female retrieved a knife, and the two fought over it, resulting in the female sustaining a laceration t

Scammers are evolving. From fake delivery texts and bogus bank alerts to unpaid toll scams and law-enforcement impersonation calls, their goal is the same: steal your money or personal info. Read the latest tips to protect yourself and your family.

Pantego man arrested after stealing farm equipment.

A Chocowinity father is jailed without bond after deputies say he tried to kill his 4‑year‑old son, who is now safe with his mother.

Thank you to Unity Christian Academy for inviting us to your Community Helpers Touch a Truck Day! We had a blast showing students how our drone and K-9 teams help keep Beaufort County safe, answering questions, and spending time with the next generation of community leaders. We are grateful for every opportunity to partner with our local schools and fellow community helpers in service to our families.

Today deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office participated in the Paint the Town Blue Children's Parade and Festival at Mac Bear Hodges Festival Park . This event was for preschool children and brings awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Week of the Young Child. The theme for this years event was "Tiny Seeds, Big Dreams." McGruff made an appearance and the kiddos got the opportunity to show their creativity by coloring a replica of a Sheriff Patrol veh

Chief Deputy Brown, Lieutenant Waters, K9 Athos, and Corporal Davis had a great time attending Career Day at Northeast Elementary School ! Students had the opportunity to learn more about careers in law enforcement and the many specialized units within the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Deputies spoke about K9 operations, highlighting how K9 Athos assists deputies with tracking, narcotics detection, and protecting both deputies and the community. Students were also introdu

This week, Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the staff of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize and celebrate our dedicated Telecommunicators during National Telecommunicators Week. These professionals are the calm voice in moments of crisis, the first point of contact in emergencies, and a vital link between our community and first responders. Their commitment, professionalism, and ability to remain composed under pressure play a critical role in ensuring the safet

On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Beaufort County Grand Jury returned a True Bill of Indictment against 24-year-old Brady O’Neil Daniels of Wallace, NC, charging him with the murder of Billy Joe Bell in 2023. Deputies with Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, took Daniels into custody at his residence in Wallace NC. Daniels was transported to Beaufort County and confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bon

Lieutenant Waters, K9 Athos, and 911 Director VanNortwick had a great time attending Career Day at Chocowinity Middle School! Students had the opportunity to learn more about careers in law enforcement and the many specialized units within the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Deputies spoke about K9 operations, highlighting how K9 Athos assists deputies with tracking, narcotics detection, and protecting both deputies and the community. Students were also introduced to the Sh

From Sheriff Hammonds In this month’s newsletter, I want to share how our team has been serving you and how we can keep Beaufort County safe together. In March, we worked side by side with our community through changing weather, public safety challenges, and visits to local schools and partner organizations. As we move into April, I’m asking families to join me in focusing on child safety and abuse prevention, and I invite you to participate in our upcoming events, say hello

Last week, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association hosted the second week of its Jail Administrators’ Institute of Leadership (JAIL) in Chapel Hill. Captain Satchell, the jail administrator for Beaufort County, was in attendance and graduated from the Institute this week. JAIL is one of several training institutes offered by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. It is a two-week long intensive training program for county jail administrators. During weeks one and two of

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call in a wooded area near Pamlico Plantation in Washington NC. Upon arrival, Deputies located two decedents identified as 80-year-old Gary Dennis Halford and 78-year-old Danee Louise Halford of Washington NC. After a thorough investigation, the deaths have been deemed a murder-suicide. Sheriff Hammonds expresses his condolences to the family and friends involved in this tragic ev

Sheriff Scott Hammonds reports that Deputies are currently on scene at a shots fired call in the area of Pamlico Plantation in Washington NC . An active investigation is underway. At this time, Sheriff Hammonds wants to reassure the community that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and allow deputies the space needed to safely conduct their investigation. Additional updates will be provided as more informat

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has received another report of a scam involving parking and toll violations. The scammers are attempting to get victims to scan a QR code to settle unpaid fees. Though this document looks official, it is yet another attempt to scam you out of your hard earned money. Don't take the bait. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.

It was an honor to support Special Olympics Beaufort/Hyde this week! What a great opportunity to celebrate the talents and achievements of those with intellectual disabilities! We are proud to stand behind these amazing athletes!