From Sheriff Hammonds In June, our office stayed focused on keeping Beaufort County informed, prepared, and safe. We issued scam warnings, shared a severe weather alert, updated the public on an active investigation and a wanted fugitive, and followed through on a property-theft case, while also highlighting community support, staff appointments, a K-9 body armor donation, and outreach with local schools. As we enter July, I encourage you to refresh yourself on the following

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Administrative Office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Normal business operations will resume on Monday, July 6th. Our deputies, detention officers, communications personnel, and other essential staff will continue serving the citizens of Beaufort County throughout the holiday weekend. If you have an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact Beaufort County Communica

Beaufort County Crime Stoppers is still offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to the solving of this case. Beaufort County Crime Stoppers and the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, NC need your help to solve a Missing Person case. 46-year-old Jennifer Hollowell Watkins was reported missing to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on June 29th 2025. Watkins was last seen in the early morning hours of June 27th on VOA Road in Washington. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s

Sheriff Scott Hammonds was out in the community on Thursday, stopping by Northside High School to conduct a school security check while the football team was on the field scrimmaging. Maintaining a visible presence in our schools is an important part of keeping students, staff, and visitors safe. Sheriff Hammonds remains committed to building strong relationships with our schools while ensuring a safe environment for everyone. We appreciate the dedication of our school admini

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Tony Smith was sworn in as a Detention Officer.

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Zalena Horne was sworn in as a Telecommunicator.

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Autumn Barrow was sworn in as a Detention Officer.

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Rakwon Roberson was sworn in as a Detention Officer.

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, NC Seeks Public Assistance in Locating LESLIE MICHAEL KITCHENGS Kitchengs was ordered to report and begin serving an active sentence on June 1, 2026, but failed to do so and is currently evading custody. Subject Description: 39 years old Height: 5 feet 9 inches Weight: Approximately 250 pounds Eyes: Blue Hair: Blondish-brown The crimes related to Kitcheng's active sentence are: Crime of Domestic Violence Breaking and Entering to Terrorize Lar

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Christopher Pittman was sworn in as a Deputy. We were also honored to have U.S. Attorney W. Ellis Boyle in attendance for the swearing-in ceremony. Following the ceremony, U.S. Attorney Boyle took a few moments to speak with members of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office staff, offering valuable insight and engaging in meaningful conversation with our team. Please

On June 13th, 2025, Detectives with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an unknown subject going onto someone’s property in the Washington area and cutting their Camellia bushes without permission. The Sheriff’s Office received reports of several other similar incidents occurring across the county recently. A resident from the Chocowinity area reported that a subject told them they are using the bushes for wedding decorations. After a thorough investigat

Beaufort County School Nutrition has started the Summer Meal Program, and it will go through Thursday, August 14th, 2026. The days of operation are Monday-Thursday. Free meals are available for all children 18 and under. All Open Sites are non-congregant, and food may be picked up and taken home. Only parents, legal guardians, and caregivers may pick up food. Locations Elizabeth Chapel 11:00-11:20 AM Elks Mobile Home Park 11:30-11:50 AM First Christian Church 11:30 AM-12:00 P

From Beaufort County, NC Emergency Services, Our office is actively monitoring the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur as it moves across the southern US and towards Eastern NC. Forecasted impacts for Beaufort County include. Winds Sustained SW winds between 15 and 20 mph, with gust of 25 to 30 are expected to continue through sunset today. SW winds are expected to remain elevated between 10am and 6pm tomorrow Sustained between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts between 20 and 25. SW wi

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, NC - K9 Rocky will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rocky’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within ten weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vest

UPDATE - June 5, 2026 The Washington Police Department has tentatively identified the human remains located on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the 900 block of Carolina Avenue as those of 66-year-old Washington resident Patrick Michael Kincade. Evidence collected during the processing of the remains and the surrounding area led investigators to this preliminary identification. Mr. Kincade had not been reported missing. His next of kin has been notified. This remains an active and

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has received multiple calls in reference to scam calls. Sheriff Hammonds would like to inform residents about scam phone calls claiming you have missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest. These callers often impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, or government employees and may demand payment through gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic payment apps. Remember: Legitimate court offi

This week, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association hosted sheriffs and their personnel from all corners of the state for their annual Legislative Day at the General Assembly in Raleigh. Sheriff Scott Hammonds was proud to be able to attend the event. Commenting on the experience, Sheriff Hammonds said, “The decisions being made in Raleigh have a real impact on public safety in our counties, so I am grateful to be able to be the voice of the people of Beaufort County when it

From Sheriff Hammonds In May, the Sheriff’s Office stayed busy keeping the community informed and safe. Residents were warned about ongoing scams, and deputies investigated a structure fire that resulted in an arrest. The office also shared updates on two significant cases, including a joint investigation that led to an arrest and the apprehension of a fentanyl dealer in Aurora. The month also brought several opportunities to connect with the community. The Sheriff’s Office t

On May 13, 2026, Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s Response Team (SRT) executed a search warrant in the Aurora/Richlands area and arrested 46-year-old Donald Ramon Moore and 68-year-old Terry Darnell Riggins Sr. on multiple drug charges. This arrest and search warrant stemmed from Investigators from the Drug Unit conducting several controlled purchases of illegal drugs from Moore. Donald Ramon Moore was arrested and held in the Beaufort County Deten

UPDATE Repairs have been completed, and the bridge has been reopened. Previous Story The US HWY 17 Business Bridge is temporarily closed for repairs. Motorists should use an alternate route of US HWY 17 Bypass until further notice on the status of the Washington Bridge.

On May 11, 2026, Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, along with Detectives from the Washington Police Department, arrested 57-year-old Thaddeus Maurice Wallace and 72-year-old Clarence Earl Pierce of Washington, NC, on multiple drug charges. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of Wallace in Washington, NC. As a result of these enforcement actions, Investigators seiz

Sheriff Hammonds is proud to announce the appointment of a new employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Heather Whaley was sworn in as a Telecommunicator. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!

Today, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office joins our community and our nation in honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect, and remember those who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Their courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Sheriff Scott Hammonds and the men and women of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest gratitud

Sheriff Hammonds and the staff of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office would like to thank all the volunteers and supporters of the 30th Annual Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament. This program provides citizens with a safe and secure way to report criminal activity occurring in their neighborhoods through the P3Tips app. Tips that lead to an arrest also provide the tipsters with an opportunity to receive a cash reward. Remember, Crime Stoppers wants your information, not your nam